Effective Strategies for Managing Driver Fatigue in the Trucking Industry
Operating while fatigued is difficult in any industry, but in the trucking industry, it can be disastrous and even dangerous. In fact, driver fatigue is one of the most significant and potentially lethal hazards they face on the road, contributing to at least 13% of serious truck crashes in the US (1), with drowsy driving by all motorists causing 110,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities each year. (2)
Driver fatigue can also have serious consequences for carrier companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the US Department of Transportation (DOT), the regulatory body with oversight over the industry, has strict guidelines to protect long-haul truck drivers and the motorists they share the road with.
To protect themselves and their business, both from physical and legal dangers, it is essential for carrier companies and their drivers to be informed of the risks behind driver fatigue and how to combat it.
Understanding Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is more than being “sleepy.” It’s a state of prolonged physical and mental exhaustion that impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a truck. When a truck driver is experiencing fatigue, their decision making is impaired, their focus suffers, and their reaction time slows. Some of the factors that increase the risk of driver fatigue include:
- Extended hours on the road: Studies reveal that the risk of a crash triples after the 11th hour of driving. (3)
- Inadequate sleep
- Irregular sleep patterns and work schedules
- Stress, often caused by strict deadlines truck drivers frequently must meet
- Poor diet and/or dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Medication
- Health complications or sleep disorders
Regulatory Responsibility
Because of the risks associated with driver fatigue, the FMCSA maintains strict Hours of Operation regulations for property carrying drivers, including:
- Drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving, and can only do so after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Drivers cannot exceed 14 consecutive hours on duty, or more than 8 hours without a 30-minute break.
- In a 7/8-day period, drivers cannot exceed 60/70 hours on duty, and must have at least 34 hours off duty before the 7/8-day period can begin again.
- Drivers are permitted to split their 10-hour off duty period, but at least seven of the hours must be consecutively spent in a sleeper berth.
Strategies to Combat Truck Driver Fatigue
There are some proven ways to prevent driver fatigue, including:
- Understand the seriousness of driver fatigue. It’s vital for drivers to understand how fatigue impairs their ability to safely operate their vehicles, and for carrier companies to provide education and resources to support their drivers.
- Know the signs of fatigue. Being able to identify the symptoms of fatigue empowers drivers to take proactive steps to prevent fatigue and mitigate the risk of falling asleep while driving. These signs include:
- Blurred vision
- Excessive nodding and/or yawning
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Changes in mood and increased irritation
- Decreased alertness
- Reduced focus
- Not feeling refreshed after longer sleep sessions
- Forgetfulness
- Prioritize sleep. When you are fatigued, one night of adequate or lengthy sleep won’t be enough to overcome it. The only thing that will is to create a habit of regular, quality sleep, whether a driver is on duty or off.
- Schedule trips during alert hours. When possible, drivers should operate during the hours when they are most alert, avoiding trips 12-6am and 2-4pm.
- Follow Hours of Service regulations. It’s the law because it helps prevent driver fatigue and keep motorists safe.
- Focus on overall health. Because medical conditions and poor health play a significant role in fatigue, it is important to invest time, effort, and resources into overall driver health. This includes receiving regular medical check-ups and preventive care, following medical advice and treatments for existing conditions, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid short cuts. When you are tired, it’s tempting to rely on tricks to help you stay awake. However, too often, these tricks – like turning on loud music or opening a window – are ineffective, and some – like smoking or increasing your caffeine intake – can be detrimental to your focus and overall health.
Driver fatigue poses a serious threat to drivers and carrier companies, and managing it is essential for drivers and operators alike.
Another essential aspect of trucking operations is to know your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score – a number calculated by the FMCSA that relates to a carrier’s safety performance, measures compliance with safety regulations, and identifies high-risk fleets, carriers, and drivers. Knowing and understanding your CSA score can help further reduce your risks and protect your business. At SWZ, we offer a free SCORE Report to help you understand your safety score, identify safety issues, and learn how to resolve them. Request your copy today.
CONTACT US