Fatigued Driving Safety

Key Hazards

• Reduced reaction time while driving
• Drifting from the lane or missing traffic signals
• Microsleeps or brief loss of awareness
• Poor judgment from long shifts or lack of sleep
• Fatigue worsened by darkness, heat, stress, or medication
• Drivers pushing through instead of stopping safely

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as other forms of impaired driving. A tired driver may react slower, drift from the lane, miss hazards, or make poor decisions without realizing how impaired they are.

Fatigue can come from lack of sleep, long work shifts, night driving, emergency response, stress, heat, medication, illness, or repetitive driving on familiar routes.

Warning signs include frequent yawning, heavy eyes, trouble focusing, missed turns, drifting, delayed braking, irritability, and not remembering the last few miles driven.

Drivers should not rely on willpower alone to overcome fatigue. Loud music, open windows, or caffeine may help briefly, but they do not replace rest when a driver is too tired to operate safely.

Night and early morning driving are especially risky because the body naturally wants to sleep. Dark roads, quiet cabs, heater use, and monotonous routes can increase drowsiness.

Drivers should plan breaks before fatigue becomes severe. Pulling over in a safe location, rotating drivers, delaying nonessential trips, or contacting a supervisor may be the safer choice.

Coworkers and supervisors should take fatigue concerns seriously. A driver who speaks up before continuing deserves support, not pressure to push through.

Safe driving requires alertness. If fatigue is affecting focus, reaction time, or control, stop driving and address it before continuing.

Safety Reminders

• Recognize fatigue warning signs early.
• Do not drive when you are too tired to stay alert.
• Take breaks before fatigue becomes severe.
• Use extra caution during night and early morning driving.
• Report fatigue concerns to a supervisor.
• Avoid relying only on caffeine or open windows.
• Stop in a safe place if alertness drops.

Ask the Crew

• Are any drivers working long hours or short on sleep?
• What signs show that fatigue is affecting driving?
• Are night, early morning, or repetitive routes increasing risk?
• Can breaks, route changes, or driver rotation reduce fatigue?
• When should a driver stop and report that they are too tired to continue?