Fatigued drivers reminded about road safety risk
DRIVING for work is a high-risk activity, and people who drive for work are 40% more likely than other drivers to be involved in a collision.
It is estimated that driving for work accounts for involvement in 1 to 3 road collisions every year. Driving for work is one of the most dangerous things most employers ask staff to do. While drivers are responsible for how they drive, employers have duties in helping to make driving for work safer.
Concerns have been raised over safety risks associated with fatigued delivery drivers ahead of the busy Christmas period. Starting with Black Friday, and with Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, online shopping has never been availed of as much before.
According to recent research, it takes around two hours of continuous driving before your concentration starts to deteriorate. You will be less aware of the road situation, and slower to react to hazards, which increases the risk of an accident.
Stopping for breaks every two hours will help to keep you alert and aware on the road.
Research has shown that drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel in the early morning (between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.) and early afternoon (between 2 and 4 p.m.).
Night driving in general can be tiring if you are not accustomed to it. Be aware of this and try and plan a rest stop during this time.
Delivery drivers are being pushed more than ever to get parcels out to homes. The safest driver is an alert one. Driving while tired reduces the ability to concentrate and be vigilant, which means it’s much harder to pay attention and make quick, responsible decisions.
Said Noel Gibbons, Mayo road safety officer: “This is an issue that has been highlighted in other countries over the past number of years so we are appealing to fleet owners and managers who can minimise the risk of tiredness by planning driver shifts with more precision, taking into account how many hours sleep they will be getting between shifts and whether or not they will be tired when at the wheel.
“It’s important to schedule in time for regular breaks. Even if traffic or other factors delay the set schedule, it’s important that drivers take their breaks – safety first before deadlines.”
Of the 915 road traffic fatalities in the State between 2008 and 2011, analysis suggested some 23 per cent of them were work related. Driver fatigue contributes to 1 in 5 deaths in Ireland.
Symptoms of driver fatigue
It is very difficult for drivers to accurately assess their own level of fatigue. The ability to self-assess becomes increasingly impaired as you get more fatigued, however the self-confidence in this ability remains. Nevertheless, there are some warning signs to look out for, including:
Trouble focussing, or narrowing of attention
Head nodding, or inability to keep the eyes open
Not remembering the last few minutes
Poor judgement, slower reaction time
Zoning out
Daydreaming and wandering thoughts
Constant yawning or rubbing your eyes
Drifting in the lane
Keep in mind that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms of driver fatigue, it is very likely that your driving performance is already impaired.