Why drivers need to learn about Fatigue Management in 2021



When we speak of necessary services, one of the key services that have great demand is driver services. Be it for the cabs that we book on everyday basis or the trucks that transport material, the buses or for that matter any other road transport, drivers are a must.  

As drivers are someone here is a key aspect that every driver must know.  

Driving is a responsible job as one mistake can cost lives. Therefore, drivers must be careful of various aspects to ensure complete safety to their lives as well as the people driving with them. When we speak of safety measures, the most important one is fatigue management 

What is fatigue???

 Fatigue can also be called as tiredness that drivers often experience. Some of the main reasons for fatigue are as follows:

 

  1. The most common reason for fatigue is lack of sleep. 8 hours of sleep is the minimum requirement for every person. 
  2. The next common reason is back to back shifts. Most of the drivers work in shifts. Either the driver or the agency takes up back to back shifts that cause tiredness
  3. Taking driving assignments or shift during ideal sleep hours like night 11 pm to morning 7am can cause fatigue.
  4. Drivers who are constantly on the roll must take short breaks to keep fatigue away. When they miss breaks it causes fatigue.
  5. Lastly, ignoring the symptoms of fatigue.  

When the driver is tired or lacks sleep, the body does ring alarm like:

 

  1. Constant yawning
  2. Lack of focus on driving resulting in inconsistency in speed or constantly shifting lanes etc. 
  3. Unable to keep the eyes open or eyelids feeling heavy. 
  4.  A sudden drop in the speed of the car
  5. Constant head nodding. 

These above-mentioned signs are the most common fatigue symptoms that drivers experience. So, if you are a driver and have experience fatigue, what would you do. That's where fatigue management comes to your rescue. So, here are some basic tips that will help you manage fatigue. 

 

  1. The first and the most effective way to control fatigue is to sleep a minimum of 8 hours. Drivers should ensure that they get that sleep. However, this trick is something that drivers should do before getting on to the driving seat. 
  2. One of the tips that drivers must follow if they experience fatigue while driving is, "Stop and take a break." Sometimes, it so happens that despite all care and sleep, a driver may experience fatigue. In such a situation, the driver must immediately pull the vehicle aside and take a nap to feel fresh. 
  3. Last but a tip that drivers must follow is to stay healthy. Drivers due to their duties have erratic eating and drinking habits. This can greatly contribute to unexpected fatigue as your physical and mental strength is low. 

Considering that fatigue is a common concern with drivers, most of the agencies that deal with drivers ensure to provide fatigue management training and awareness to the drivers. 

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