Fatigue Training for Truck Drivers

Fatigue Training

• Fatigue is a vital safety concern for truck drivers.
• Fatigue can result in serious accidents.
• Fatigue is caused by job demands, life demands outside of work, and human biology.
• Manifestations of fatigue include sleepiness, a "don't care" attitude, irritability, forgetfulness, slow reaction times, and difficulty concentrating.

Fatigue Facts

• 15 people are killed in truck accidents every day.
• More truck drivers are killed on the job than other types of workers.
• Highway fatalities are equivalent to a jet airliner crashing every week.
• 24 hours without sleep is equivalent to a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10.
• Lack of sleep is the leading cause for driver fatigue.

Driving Without Awareness (DWA)

• Driving while fatigued is increasingly viewed similarly to driving under the influence (DWI).
• Lawsuits involving driver fatigue are increasing.
• California and Arizona are leading the way in creating laws to prosecute driving while fatigued.

Consequences of DWA

• Driving while fatigued can result in loss of life and health.
• It leads to hardship for families and loved ones.
• Civil and criminal penalties are associated with DWA.
• Lawsuits and attorney fees are also potential consequences.

What Happens When We Sleep?

• Sleep is comprised of REM and non-REM sleep stages.
• Non-REM sleep includes deep sleep, slow heartbeat and breathing.
• REM sleep is characterized by dreams, rapid brain activity, and eye movements.
• Both types of sleep are needed for a truly rested and refreshed state of mind.

How Much Sleep Do We Get/Need?

• 65% of Americans lose sleep due to stress.
• 32% lose sleep at least once weekly.
• 16% deal with stress-induced insomnia.
• Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep.

What Keeps Us Awake?

• General world events, personal, and family issues can disrupt sleep.

How Do We Get a Good Night's Sleep?

• Maintain consistent bed and wake times, even on weekends.
• Establish a bedtime routine.
• Create a quiet, cool, and dark sleep environment.
• Keep the bedroom as a "stress-free zone".
• Eat meals 2-3 hours before bed.
• Incorporate regular exercise but finish at least a couple of hours prior to sleeping.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine before bedtime.

Lack of Sleep Can Lead To

• Difficulty concentrating
• Slower reaction times
• Slow thinking
• Reduced driving ability
• Negative health effects

Sleep Loss and Driving

• Factors that predict fatigue-related truck accidents include; duration of sleep period, amount of sleep in the preceding 24 hours, split sleep, and quality of sleep.

Sleep Apnea and Driving

• Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Studies link sleep apnea to a higher risk of serious traffic accidents.
• Risk factors for sleep apnea include being male and overweight or older than 40. 
• There are three types of sleep apnea; Obstructive, Central, and Mixed.

What are the Facts?

• Sleep apnea affects an estimated 12 million Americans.
• Untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, memory problems, weight gain, headaches and poorer job performance, truck and car accidents and daytime tiredness.

Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea

• Snoring, pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches or sinus congestion, falling asleep at work, and depression.

What to Do?

• Consult a doctor to determine if sleep apnea is a factor.
• Seek consultation with a sleep specialist if necessary.
• Visit an accredited sleep therapy centre for testing and potential diagnosis.

Conclusion

• Individuals are ultimately responsible for their sleep habits and safety.
• Regular exercise, a healthy diet and active involvement in their sleep discipline are key.
• Consult a medical professional if sleep apnea is suspected.
• Getting enough restful sleep is critical for driver safety.