Chantal Gray - Managing Director : How Driver Fatigue Threatens All Road Users

2017-06-26

Almost everyone knows that driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a deadly
combination.

However, few people realise the danger associated with driving while fatigued. In fact, drivers who become drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel contribute to thousands of crashes each year.

Fatigue is a condition that affects everyone. Although typically associated with long-distance driving, fatigue can even set in after a long day at work, an outing at the beach - virtually any activity.

The Circadian rhythm, the body's natural rhythm associated with the earth's rotation, causes nearly everyone to be less alert, or even drowsy, between 13h00 and 17h00.

Other contributing (and compounding) factors include:

emotional stress
illness
boredom
sun glare (a major factor in eyestrain)
overeating
drinking alcoholic beverages (which you shouldn't be doing anyway when you drive)
riding in an overheated or very cold vehicle

What can you do to prevent tiredness from making you another crash statistic?

Start any trip by getting enough sleep the night before - at least six hours is recommended. Wear good quality sunglasses, avoid heavy foods and, of course, don't consume any alcohol during your trip.

If you can, have another person ride with you, so you have someone to talk to and to share the driving. Avoid driving during your body's downtime.

Be on the alert for these three signs of sleepiness

Trouble keeping your eyes open
Difficulty paying attention
Yawning frequently

If you notice any of these danger signs, stop periodically for a rest, and if needed, have a quick nap - even 20 minutes will help. During your break, get some exercise - it helps you become more alert more quickly.

The problem with long-distance driving is that many people do not know, or choose to ignore, how much driving is too much. On long trips, schedule a 15-minute break outside the vehicle every two hours (every 160 km). There is no rule to say how far you should drive at any given time, but no destination is worth risking your life. Don't overextend yourself. Determine a reasonable distance in advance, and stop driving when you reach it.

If you must stop for a rest, stop at a designated rest area or parking lot. It is usually not advisable to just pull off to the side of the road to sleep, but there may be times when this is preferable to continuing to drive and risk falling asleep behind the wheel. If you are unable to stop at a roadside rest area, make sure you can at least do the following:

Ensure you are as far off the highway as possible
If it is after dark, find a lighted area to park
Give yourself a little outside air, but make sure that windows are closed enough to prevent entry from the outside
Lock all doors
Turn on your parking lights and turn off other electrical equipment
After you rest, get out of the vehicle and walk for a few minutes to be sure you are completely awake before you begin to drive again

Five tips to avoid driver fatigue on long trips

1. Plan in advance so you know where you are going to take a break
2. Take a break at least every two hours
3. Plan to stay somewhere overnight if you are going on a long journey
4. Share the driving (and rest when you are not driving)
5. Try not to drive when you would normally be asleep (early mornings and late nights)

Six warning signs of driver fatigue

Continuous yawning
Slower reactions
Heavy eyes
Stiffness
Daydreaming frequently
Wandering over the centre line or over the road's edge

How NOSA Logistics can help?

NOSA Logistics is a private training provider committed to the success of its learners, stakeholders and the transport and warehousing sector as a whole, with a focus on defensive driver training. We utilise professionally-trained facilitators and driving instructors to train students and we hold full primary accreditation with the Transport Education and Training Authorities, as well as secondary accreditation with the Services SETA.

NOSA Logistics offers unit standard aligned skills programmes and risk management training solutions for drivers, warehousing staff and other logistics-related occupations. These measurable solutions increase productivity, decrease risk and add to business profitability. The combination of workplace, practical and theoretical training leads to real-time solutions that have an immediate and positive effect on business operations.

Contact us at:
info@nosalogistics.co.za
www.nosalogistics.co.za
+27 (0)31 705 3225

Sources: https://arrivealive.co.za/Driver-Fatigue
www.raf.co.za