In Quebec, driver fatigue is the 3rd leading cause of death on the road, after speeding and alcohol. Heavy vehicle drivers are more at risk and are involved in 15% of fatigue-related accidents. Did you know that after being awake for 17 hours, your driving is just as impaired as if you had a blood alcohol level of 0.05? If you or your employees are on the road for long hours at a time, these tips can help you keep your eyes open.
Signs of fatigue
- Trouble concentrating and maintaining a steady speed
- Accidentally changing lanes
- Missing an exit
Preventing fatigue
- Eat healthy, low-fat meals before getting behind the wheel.
- Drink plenty of water (keeping well-hydrated reduces fatigue and forces you to take brakes!).
- Take breaks to stretch you legs, move around and get some fresh air.
- Keep the air in your vehicle cool – heat causes drowsiness.
- Crack the window to keep fresh air circulating: stale air and smoke increase fatigue.
- Take a 15-minutes nap in a safe place: it will help you feel rested for a few hours. Naps are a short-term solution, but they can’t replace a full night’s sleep (or consecutive hours of sleep).
Responsabilities of employers and self-employed drivers
You have a role to play when it comes to preventing fatigue-related accidents. To reduce risks, you can:
- Make a regular schedule, during the day whenever possible (drowsiness increases between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and between midnight and dawn).
- Always include 7 to 8 consecutive hours of sleep per 24-hour period to be fully rested for long trips.
- Note that it is illegal to drive for more than 13 hours consecutively.
- For more information, see the Driving an Off-Duty Time for Heavy Vehicle Drivers – Fact Sheet PDF, from the SAAQ.
- Include enough time in your schedule for pre-trip work (preparing the vehicle, loading, etc.), delays (waiting at customs) and road conditions.
You’ll find more information in the SAAQ’s Driver Fatigue – Fatigue Management Guide PDF and in the North American Fatigue Management Program’s training modules.
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