Fighting Fatigue: The Best Ways for Truck Drivers to Stay Alert on the Road

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Stay Alert, Stay Safe

In the trucking industry, driver fatigue is one of the most pressing safety concerns. With long shifts, rotating schedules, and extended distances to cover, truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of sleep deprivation and drowsiness. Unfortunately, the consequences can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities from large truck crashes have increased dramatically in recent years, with over 5,900 deaths reported in 2022 alone. Of these crashes, a significant proportion are linked to driver fatigue, emphasizing the urgent need for both preventive measures and real-time monitoring to combat drowsy driving (Truck Safety Coalition, 2024).

The Science Behind Drowsy Driving

Research into the causes and impacts of sleepiness on truck drivers reveals critical insights into the problem. A comprehensive study conducted by Ahlström and Anund (2024) explored how sleepiness develops in professional truck drivers under real-road conditions, highlighting the significant risks posed by nighttime driving. Using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) to measure alertness, the study found that truck drivers were much more likely to experience dangerous levels of drowsiness—especially after long nighttime driving sessions. Nearly 70% of drivers in the study reached a KSS level of 8 or higher (indicating severe sleepiness) during night drives, placing them at high risk for accidents (Ahlström & Anund, 2024).

This finding aligns with broader evidence from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which reports that fatigue is responsible for an alarming 58% of single-vehicle heavy truck crashes. This correlation between driver fatigue and crash rates highlights a pressing issue within the trucking industry—one that requires both technological solutions and behavioral changes (Truck Safety Coalition, 2024).

The Impact of Fatigue on Driving Performance

When drivers are fatigued, their reaction times slow significantly, and their ability to make critical decisions is impaired. Ahlström & Anund, 2024) measured psychomotor performance among truck drivers using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) and found that drivers’ reaction times increased and their ability to maintain lane position deteriorated, especially during long night shifts. Additionally, the study reported that heart rate variability—a key physiological indicator of sleepiness—dropped significantly during nighttime drives, further demonstrating the toll fatigue takes on the body’s ability to stay alert.

Moreover, a study on working conditions in the transportation industry by Peters et al. (2021) highlighted the complex relationship between job demands and fatigue. The research identified factors such as irregular shifts, poor diet, and inadequate rest as contributors to driver fatigue and long-term health outcomes. Bus drivers, much like truck drivers, experienced health issues like back pain, stress, and chronic diseases, all exacerbated by poor scheduling and insufficient rest periods (Peters et al., 2021). These findings emphasize the need for structural changes in the industry, focusing on better scheduling and improved rest opportunities to mitigate driver fatigue.

Technology as a Lifeline: How DDAW Systems Can Help

Given the high rates of drowsiness among truck drivers, technological interventions have become essential in reducing the risk of fatigue-related crashes. Since 2022, the European Union has mandated the installation of Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW) systems in all new commercial vehicles (Ahlström & Anund, 2024). These systems monitor drivers’ alertness levels and issue warnings when sleepiness reaches dangerous thresholds, such as a KSS score of 8 or above. The real-world validation of these systems shows that they are effective in detecting sleepiness and prompting drivers to take corrective action.

However, while DDAW systems can play a critical role in preventing crashes, they are most effective when combined with other technologies like speed limiters and automatic emergency braking (AEB). The Truck Safety Coalition has long advocated for these technologies, citing their potential to reduce fatalities by addressing both human error and vehicle control. For example, speed limiters can help manage a truck’s velocity in case a driver’s reaction time is impaired, while AEB systems can automatically engage the brakes if a crash seems imminent (Truck Safety Coalition, 2024).

Practical Steps for Drivers: Staying Alert on the Road

While technology provides an important safety net, the responsibility ultimately lies with drivers to manage their fatigue proactively and supervisors to give them the flexibility to do so.  Based on the findings from Ahlström and Anund’s study, as well as insights from Peters et al. (2021) and the Truck Safety Coalition, here are some evidence-based strategies that truckers can implement to stay alert and safe:

  1. Prioritize Sufficient Sleep: The study found that fatigue builds quickly during nighttime driving, even for drivers who consider themselves well-rested (Ahlström & Anund, 2024). Ensuring you get at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep before long shifts is crucial. Avoid starting a long drive after being awake for extended periods, especially at night.
  2. Plan for Breaks: A significant finding from real-road studies is that drowsiness escalates with distance (Ahlström & Anund, 2024). To counteract this, drivers should schedule regular breaks—preferably every two hours—to step out of the vehicle, stretch, and refresh themselves. Even short breaks can help reduce fatigue.
  3. Recognize Early Signs of Fatigue: Subjective measures of sleepiness, such as difficulty keeping your eyes open or frequent yawning, are strong indicators of an elevated KSS score (Ahlström & Anund, 2024). When drivers begin to experience these symptoms, it’s time to pull over and rest. Ignoring them can lead to dangerous outcomes.
  4. Use Safety Technologies: Make full use of advanced vehicle technologies like DDAW systems and lane-departure warnings. These tools provide real-time feedback that can alert drivers when they are at risk of drowsiness or losing control of the vehicle (Ahlström & Anund, 2024).
  5. Avoid Heavy Meals and Caffeine Dependence: While caffeine may provide a short-term energy boost, it can’t substitute for proper rest (Peters et al., 2021). Similarly, heavy meals can make drivers feel sluggish and exacerbate sleepiness. A balanced diet and hydration are key to maintaining alertness on the road.

Conclusion: A Safer Future for Truck Drivers

The evidence is clear—driver fatigue poses a serious risk on the road, but with the right combination of technology and behavior modification, it can be effectively managed. Studies like those by Ahlström and Anund (2024) and Peters et al. (2021) provide essential insights into how sleepiness develops in truck drivers, while real-world data from the Truck Safety Coalition reinforce the urgency of addressing this issue.

As the trucking industry continues to evolve, prioritizing driver safety through a combination of technological innovations and practical strategies will be crucial. By staying informed, leveraging available safety features, and making rest a top priority, truck drivers can help reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents and ensure that both they and other road users stay safe.


References

  • Ahlström, C., & Anund, A. (2024). Development of sleepiness in professional truck drivers: Real-road testing for driver drowsiness and attention warning (DDAW) system evaluation. Journal of Sleep Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.14259
  • Kaida, K., Takahashi, M., Åkerstedt, T., Nakata, A., Otsuka, Y., Haratani, T., & Fukasawa, K. (2006). Validation of the Karolinska sleepiness scale against performance and EEG variables. Clinical Neurophysiology, 117(7), 1574-1581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2006.03.011
  • Peters, S. E., Grogan, H., Henderson, G. M., López Gómez, M. A., Martínez Maldonado, M., Silva Sanhueza, I., & Dennerlein, J. T. (2021). Working conditions influencing drivers’ safety and well-being in the transportation industry: “On Board” program. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10173). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910173
  • Truck Safety Coalition. (2024). Statement on NHTSA’s report of another year of record-high large truck crash fatalities. Truck Safety Coalition. https://trucksafety.org/

Written by Lisa J Meier with editing support from ChatGPT.