Sleep and drowsiness

You can’t fight tiredness when behind the wheel. There are some short-term actions drivers can take but the only sure way to fully restore concentration, co-ordination and control is to sleep. Sleep plays a crucial role in reducing the risks that drivers present on the road, but many other health, lifestyle and environmental factors can also affect driver alertness.

A tired driver at the wheel can be devastating – vigilance is reduced, reaction times are slower and information takes longer to process. But there are warning signs and drivers need to know how to spot them, take immediate action and implement preventative measures to ensure they are fit to drive every day.

The Sleep and drowsiness toolbox talk highlights the potential causes of tiredness and the importance of good rest and recuperation. It covers:

1. Effects of tiredness and how it reduces alertness and impairs coordination
2. Warning signs and what to look out for when concentration levels reduce
3. Tips for sleeping more soundly and the lifestyle adjustments that support better sleep
4. Sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), how to detect it and what help to seek

Driver tiredness contributes to almost 20% of all fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions. It’s also reported to be more dangerous than drink driving.

Running off the road or into the back or path of another vehicle are the common direct causes of collisions. Addressing the deeper underlying causes of tiredness can help prevent a tragic incident on the road.