Fatigue caught on camera by Barry Jacobsz
Driver fatigue could be caused by any number of factors but conventional wisdom would indicate that extended hours of driving without taking regular breaks would be the major contributor.
The coupled with working long and irregular hours, having little or poor sleep an early shift starting time often leads to fatigue. Driver health, or lack thereof, as has been witnessed at the reent roadside clinics conducted by the N3 toll route concessionary, would add to driver fatigue.
All of the above result in impaired alertness and lack of judgment when driving. This risk can be reduced by a strict monitoring and control driving hours, the controlling of overnight stopping areas, planning of shifts and more health/eating education and assessment of driver wellness.
Operational management generally have access to sophisticated tracking and monitoring systems can assist in aspects of the driving hours and stopping locations.
Many of the professional transporters already practice these important disciplines, but there is concern that some operators do not practice the same controls.
Controlling fatigue requires cooperation between employers and employees. Understanding causes and signs of fatigue and the control strategies needed, will reduce the risks of crashes as a result of fatigue.
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