Tool Kit

Driver Fatigue

Driving while fatigued is more than just feeling a little tired. Fatigue is a type of impairment that reduces mental and physical performance. Use our sample policy and other resources to address driver fatigue in your road safety plan.


Who’s at risk?

Everyone feels fatigued at some point and driving can make things worse. A warm vehicle and the soothing motion of the drive can make you drowsy and increase your crash risks. Some drivers are behind the wheel for long periods of time and can become bored and inattentive. Others who drive for even short periods of time in high-stress situations can find themselves exhausted – and at greater risk of making costly mistakes.

Fatigue can affect all drivers, but there are several groups that are at greater risk:

  • Workers on night or rotating shifts
  • Long-haul commercial vehicle drivers
  • People taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications
  • Young males (especially under age 26)
  • People with sleep disorders
  • People under the influence of alcohol or marijuana

Impacts, causes, and warning signs

When an employee is physically or mentally fatigued (or both), it affects their ability to safely perform their driving duties. Studies show fatigue is a casual or contributing factor in about 20% of crashes. It is a factor in nearly as many crashes as distractions, speed, and drug and alcohol impairment. Not getting enough quality sleep, long periods of being awake, and lifestyle choices are the most common causes.

How fatigue impacts drivers

Physical fatigue comes from activities that exhaust your muscles. It may leave you unable to respond as fast as usual when you’re driving. Mental fatigue is even worse because you are less capable of performing key driving tasks.

Reacting a fraction of a second faster or slower can be the difference between a near miss and serious, costly crash.

Drivers who are mentally and/or physically fatigued are:

  • More likely to take risks
  • More likely to forget or ignore normal checks or procedures
  • Less able to absorb critical driving information and respond to it
  • Less able to solve problems
  • Less able to decide on the best actions to take to address a hazard, and execute the necessary responses
  • Less able to judge distance, speed, and time

Main causes of fatigue

Not getting enough good quality sleep, being awake for long periods, and working long shifts often generate fatigue. Review the following factors at work and in everyday life that can lead to driver fatigue.

Inadequate sleep
Work tasks, environment, and schedule
Being awake for long hours
Medications and medical conditions
Stress
Lifestyle choices

Warning signs of fatigue

Fatigue has many common symptoms but it can be difficult for drivers to notice them. Watch out for:

  • Feeling sleepy, drowsy, or exhausted
  • Yawning
  • Sore, heavy, droopy, or blood-shot eyes
  • Slower than normal reflexes and reaction times
  • Impatience or irritability
  • Aching, stiff, or sore muscles, or cramps
  • Lack of motivation
  • Indecisiveness
  • Daydreaming, decreased ability to focus or concentrate

What employers can do

Your employees are a vital asset. Fatigued drivers put themselves, their passengers, other road users, and their employers at risk. You’re legally responsible for the safety of your employees when they are driving or riding in a work vehicle. Your organization can prevent fatigue-related crashes by taking basic safety steps.

Employer legal obligations

As an employer you’re legally responsible for ensuring your employees are safe when they drive for work. This applies regardless of how much driving they do and whether they’re using a company-owned or personal vehicle. (Note: Commuting between home and work is not considered driving for work.) Review your legal obligations to understand the laws that apply to you. You can also review your responsibilities when employees drive their own vehicle.

Employers, supervisors and employees should be familiar with Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 4.19 and 4.20. The regulations explain specific things that must be done to reduce the risk of impairment due to fatigue or other reasons.

Employees have the right to refuse unsafe work. They have a specific responsibility to not drive if they are impaired and driving would create an undue risk to anyone.

Steps to reduce fatigue risks

Use this 3-step approach to help manage fatigue risks:

Step 1. Identify risks of driver fatigue
Step 2. Assess risk level
Step 3. Remove or reduce risks

What drivers can do

No matter how much or how little you drive for work, fatigue can put you at risk. It can affect all drivers regardless of age, skill level, or experience. Your employer needs to educate, train, and supervise you in safe driving procedures. You can also take some basic steps to help prevent fatigue.

How to stay awake and alert

Whether you drive for several hours each day or just a few minutes there is plenty you can do to improve your own safety and help make sure you’re not involved in a crash because of fatigue.

  • Make sure you get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night.
  • Keep your energy levels up by eating good meals and healthy snacks.
  • Don’t leave driving until the end of the day when you’re bound to be tired.
  • Follow your employer’s instructions for controlling the fatigue risks. And if you know you’re too fatigued to drive safely, you have a responsibility to refuse unsafe work.

Take the following steps to help reduce or prevent fatigue on the road:

Manage your journey
Set up your workplace on wheels
Take regular breaks
Watch what you eat and drink
Take a nap

Resources

Handout

Employees Who Drive Their Own Vehicle infographic

Employers and employees need to know their legal road safety responsibilities. Print this handout and share it with staff to make sure everyone understands the requirements.
Tailgate Meeting Guide

Explaining Employee Road Safety Responsibilities

Use this guide to lead a discussion with employees about their road safety responsibilities when driving for work.