Fatigue is a leading cause of serious transport incidents. Here is how to manage it systematically.
Fatigue impairs reaction time, judgement and attention in much the same way alcohol does — yet it is far harder to detect. For long-haul and shift-based transport operations, managing fatigue is one of the most important safety responsibilities an operator carries.
Why fatigue is so dangerous
A fatigued driver may experience "micro-sleeps" of a few seconds without realising it. At highway speed, that is enough to travel the length of a football field with no one in control. Because fatigue builds gradually, drivers routinely underestimate how impaired they are.
Building a fatigue management programme
- Set and enforce maximum driving hours and minimum rest periods
- Plan journeys realistically, allowing for delays and rest stops
- Monitor work-and-rest compliance through IVMS data
- Train drivers and supervisors to recognise the warning signs
- Create a no-blame culture where drivers can report fatigue
The role of monitoring
In-vehicle monitoring and journey-management systems make it possible to verify rest compliance objectively rather than relying on self-reporting. Combined with training and sensible scheduling, they form the backbone of an effective fatigue programme.