How Can Employers Manage Drivers Fatigue – Trux Solutions

Fatigue refers to the physical or mental tiredness that can have a negative effect on an individual’s ability to perform. It can also hinder performance by reducing attention, slowing down reaction times, and affecting judgement, including performing tasks like driving. Did you know that fatigue is one of the primary contributing factors in crashes, specifically work-related crashes when compared to drivers of non-fleet vehicles. Commercial truck drivers are at an increased risk of fatigue. Keep in mind, the effects of fatigue are cumulative.

A few reasons that can contribute to driver fatigue can be:

• Due to lack of sleep

• Sustained physical or mental effort

• Lack of breaks to rest

• Environmental factors like heat, noise etc.

• Disruption of sleep cycles

• Going on for long periods without sleep

• Poor quality of sleep

• Lane drifting

• Variations in speed

• Delayed reactions from the driver

• Lack of concentration

• Yawning constantly

• Yawning constantly

• Sweaty hands

• Impatience

• Unable to control steering

• Unable to recollect the last few kilometres

• Blurred vision

What can employers do to minimize and manage driver fatigue:

• Implementing sustainable journey planning and management practices.

• To better understand the signs of fatigue in drivers

• Ensure their drivers have enough sleep before driving

• Make sure they are not forced to drive when they are feeling tired

• Avoid consumption of alcohol before driving and hydrate by drinking plenty of water.

• Take adequate breaks after every two hours of driving

• Use alternative modes of transportation like flying

• Avoid driving the truck during hours when you normally sleep, for instance, midnight to dawn.

• Try to not go on a long trip after a full day of work

• Do not drive after consuming a large hearty meal. It is recommended to have a light snack.

• Ensure their driver’s minds are active and not distracted. Listening to the radio can sometimes distract them.

• Avoid getting too complacent and comfortable

• It is advised to take power naps when you are feeling tired

• Ensure your drivers maintain good health and fitness through diet and exercise

• Avoid taking any medications when on the job, and do not take them to manage your fatigue

It is imperative to take into consideration how tired you are before and while you are driving. This is one of the biggest contributors to work-related accidents. Planning regular breaks, restlessness, and sore eyes can affect one’s driving as well. If you feel tired or drowsy, it is an early warning sign to pull the truck over and take a break.

Here at Trux Solutions, we are not your run-of-the-mill safety and compliance management company. We offer top-class solutions at competitive pricing. We let our clients focus on doing what they are good at, which is hauling goods safely and on time, while we focus on ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

With years of experience in the trade, we are an independent business that operates commercially by helping clients by creating effective and efficient safety programs. A safe carrier generates more profits and is more productive. To schedule an appointment or for more details, please do not hesitate to contact us today.