Even though many drivers try to fight through it, being tired on the road is extremely dangerous. The consequences of fatigued driving are multiplied when commercial truck drivers stay behind the wheel when they should instead be taking a break. Trucks will cause even more damage and injury than ordinary vehicles so truck drivers have to exercise even more care. Employers also have a responsibility in the management of driver fatigue issues. According to NSW Regulation employers involved in the transport of freight long distance by means of a heavy truck must minimise the risk of harm from fatigue to the driver’s health and safety. Hazards must be identified, assessed and eliminated or controlled. Employers must also implement driver fatigue management plans. First and foremost employers and drivers should ensure they comply with the driving hours requirements in road transport legislation. Fatigue should be eliminated through control measures and planning, however this may not always be possible, in which case measures should be undertaken to control the risk of harm from fatigue. Some of these measures that should be considered are:

• Drivers should receive training and education in fatigue management and good practice
• Incidents and near misses should be managed
• Workplace conditions should be appropriately managed and up to standard
• Promoting understanding and management of fatigue including good communication and consultation
• Scheduling and driver rosters should take into consideration length of shift, allowance for necessary rest and recovery during and between shifts. These should be adhered to.
• Checking the availability of rest areas and amenities for drivers on the route can help them plan and time their stops and journey better.
• Consult with drivers and other members in the supply chain to identify those risks that might contribute to fatigue
• Review loading and unloading times and delays at pickup and delivery points, including consultation with consignors and consignees

It is also important to consult with all parties in the supply chain and closely monitor driver logs against freight movements. Obtaining feedback from drivers can be particularly useful for employers and operators to implement a more effective plan for fatigue management. What causes fatigue? Is a question whose answer can help to manage the hazard.  Well the most obvious cause is the lack of quality sleep. Stress, sleep apnoea and other health conditions can affect the quality of sleep. Another element that can cause fatigue is driving during the time that you ordinarily would be sleeping, causing our biological clocks to make us feel tired.  Sleeping disorders like sleep apnoea are especially hazardous to truck drivers. Don’t ignore the early warning signs that you are tired. They are:

• Yawning
• Poor concentration
• Tired eyes
• Restlessness
• Drowsiness
• Slow reactions
• Boredom
• Over steering

Tips to avoiding Fatigue

• Make sure you have enough quality sleep before you start driving. It is recommended that you get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep before beginning a long drive.
• Drivers should try to travel a maximum of 8 to 10 hours a day only and no more. 
• Regular 15 minute breaks at least every 2 hours should be taken, where you get out of the truck and get fresh air and exercise to promote circulation and concentration. 
• Eat well balanced meals at regular meal times. Avoid fatty foods which can make you feel drowsy.
• Avoid alcohol and medicines that can cause drowsiness. Do not use drugs to keep awake so you can drive more hours. If you are caught the consequences will be serious and even worse you could cause a fatal road crash.
• Avoid driving at night. The chances of crashing are much higher late at night and early morning.

Because trucks can cause such damage and serious crashes, drivers need to be especially alert for vehicles in other lanes or pedestrians that may step in front of their trucks. Drivers need to be able to respond instantly on the road, they need fast reflexes and fatigue reduces their concentration and ability to act quickly on the road. Roll-overs are another hazard of fatigue as drivers fall asleep at the wheel causing the truck to capsize. The worrying part about this is that the size of trucks means that they cause enormous amounts of damage, costs and inconvenience from road closures etc. when an incident occurs.