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FATIGUE MANAGEMENTThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are the direct result of driver fatigue. This results in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.

The U.S. Department of Transportation defines fatigue as “the result of physical or mental exertion that impairs performance.” Merriam-Webster defines fatigue as “the state of being very tired: extreme weariness.” Other terms also associated with fatigue include burnout, collapse, exhaustion, tiredness and weariness.

Fatigue is both a symptom of poor sleep and health management and an enabler of other impairments, such as poor judgement and decision making, slowed reaction times and the loss of situational awareness and control. Fatigue degrades a person’s ability to stay awake, alert and attentive to the demands of controlling their vehicle safely. To make matters worse, fatigue actually impairs our ability to judge just how fatigued we might be.

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Some of the symptoms of driver fatigue include: • Trouble focusing or narrowing of attention • Head nodding or the inability to keep the eyes open • Poor judgement, slower reaction time (zoning out) • Constant yawning and rubbing the eyes

In 2014, there were 846 fatalities (2.6% of all fatalities) recorded in the NHTSA’s FAR (Fatality Analysis Reporting) database that are related to fatigue. These reported fatalities and drowsy-driving fatality numbers have remained consistent through the past decade. Between 2005 and 2009, there was an average of 83,000 crashes each year related to fatigued driving. This annual average includes an estimated 886 fatalities, 37,000 injuries and 45,000 property damage only crashes.

There is ongoing research and discussion about how to best measure the impact of fatigued driving on crashes. A variety of research approaches and data indicate that traditional measures of fatigued driving might significantly underestimate the prevalence of the issue. In 2009, the Massachusetts Special Commission on Drowsy Driving estimated that there could be a many as 1.2 million crashes, 8000 lives lost and 500,000 injuries due to fatigued driving each year.

In a recent AAA survey of highway accidents, 43% of US drivers admitted to falling asleep or nodding off while driving at least once in their lifetime. This does NOT take into account those drivers who did not admit it.

According to a 1993 research study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 75% of all single driver truck accidents that occurred in the early morning hours were fatigue-related.

Addressing the problem of fatigue in transportation requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on research, education and training, technologies, treatment of sleep disorders, hours of service regulations and on and off duty scheduling policies and practices.

What can be done to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes? Since company owners and managers direct the daily activities of the drivers, they must ensure their drivers abide by the Department of Transportation (DOT) hours–of-service regulations. According to the NTSB, companies should establish fatigue risk management programs and then continually monitor their success to reduce fatigue-related crashes.

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Some suggested activities include: • Provide fatigue-management training. Many drivers do not understand the dynamics

of sleep and fatigue or the effects of the circadian rhythm, sleep debt, and the need for adequate sleep every night. Providing information and training can help drivers recognize when they are tired and better understand the risks associated with driving while tired.

• Monitor productivity. Management must monitor day-to-day productivity and ensure they are aware of the drivers’ schedules, which includes allowing for proper rest. Expecting drivers to work unreasonable hours or setting up unreasonable trips sets the stage for fatigue. Trips should be planned that will allow the driver to drive a reasonable distance, at a safe and legal speed, taking into consideration weather, construction, traffic and congestion and non-driving activities such as fueling and loading or unloading.

• Ensure that drivers understand that safety is most important so they will not feel compelled to keep going when they are tired. This should be part of the daily dispatch message.

• Promote healthy lifestyles. Companies can help promote healthy living through education and communication. Companies can give guidance on proper sleep, exercise and diet.

• Watch for drivers who are fatigued or sleep deprived. Drivers who are reporting for work after several days off can still be fatigued. It is critical to identify these drivers before they leave on a trip. It is possible that these drivers could be suffering from chronic fatigue related to an illness or sleep disorder. These drivers should be encouraged to see a doctor for treatment, if necessary.

Ultimately, fatigue-related crashes can be avoided with a combination of science-based regulations, comprehensive fatigue risk management programs and individual responsibility. As with all aspects of safety within a driver environment, it is not just the driver who is responsible for safety. Everyone is responsible for safety, including management, dispatchers, mechanics and anyone who might be in a position to observe driver behaviors. By following sound fatigue-management practices, companies can reduce the risk of fatigue related crashes.

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This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster. All conditions of coverage, terms, and limitations are defined and provided for in the policy. This material was developed as a general guide to safety from sources believed to be reliable and is not intended to provide legal, technical or other professional advice. These materials are not intended to replace any training or education that users may wish or need to provide to their personnel. Crum & Forster does not endorse any of the vendors listed in this publication, nor does it endorse the information, products or services that they offer or provide. Compliance with all Federal, State or local laws and regulations remain the policyholder’s responsibility.