5 ways small business fleets can combat drowsy driving

As a small business owner or fleet manager, the safety of your employees is a top priority. Drowsy driving is a hazard that might impact your crew, putting them at risk of accidents while on the road. Not only does drowsy driving  put your team at risk, it can also result in costly worker compensation claims and lost work time if an accident occurs.

With longer daylight hours approaching, your drivers might be tempted to push themselves beyond their typical workday hours to get more done. But driving when working longer hours can lead to sleepy driving and increase the chances of a serious accident. Let’s explore some simple yet effective ways to address this issue and keep your fleet safe on the road.

Drowsy driving at a glance 

The first step to dissuade drowsy driving with your fleet is to understand its prevalence. According to an article from the American Automobile Association (AAA) Newsroom, the difficulty in detecting driver fatigue following a crash makes drowsy driving one of the most underreported traffic safety issues.   

In fact, an AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Research study, found that “16% to 21% of all police-reported fatal vehicle crashes likely involve drowsy driving.” However, while these statistics highlight a concerning correlation with drowsy driving, the study also uncovered a critical issue: many drivers underestimate their level of fatigue. The research revealed that drivers who rated their drowsiness as low were actually moderately to severely drowsy. Astonishingly, some believed they were barely fatigued even as they closed their eyes for 15 to 60 seconds while driving. Additionally, these drivers often turned down opportunities for breaks. 

So who is most at risk? 

Americans are increasingly busy and that trend does not seem to have an end in sight. Dedicating more time on the road navigating the daily commute, errands, and trips can lead to exhaustion while driving. According to AAA more than 40% of drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reported over $12.5 billion in loss, 71,000 injuries, and more than 1,550 deaths occur due to drowsy driving every year.  

With a fatigued motoring public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking a closer look at who’s more likely to be driving while drowsy which includes: 

• Drivers who do not get enough sleep 
• Commercial drivers who operate vehicles such as tow trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses 
• Shift workers (work the night shift or long shifts) 
• Drivers with untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea (where breathing repeatedly stops and starts) 
• Drivers who take medications that make them sleepy 

How to prevent drowsy driving 

As with most health and safety issues, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And almost all recommendations point back to getting more sleep.  

“Don’t be fooled, the only antidote for drowsiness is sleep,” William Van Tassel, manager of Driver Training for AAA shared. “Short term tactics like drinking coffee, singing, or rolling down the window will not work. Your body’s need for sleep will eventually override your brain’s attempts to stay awake.” 

The CDC offers the following tips for preventing drowsy driving. You can share them with your employees before they get behind the wheel: 

1. Get enough sleep! Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day. 
2. Develop good sleeping habits such as sticking to a sleep schedule. 
3. If you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your physician about treatment options. 
4. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you sleepy. Be sure to check the label on any medication or talk to your pharmacist.  
5. A variety of factors impact our health, so take the necessary steps to ensure you stay alert when you’re driving and restful when sleeping. This means staying hydrated, eating nutrient-dense foods, avoiding excessive caffeine close to bedtime, and fitting in activities that get you moving where you can. Finding places where you can walk during breaks in the day is a great way to unwind and get some needed exercise.

Talk with your drivers about the dangers of drowsy driving. Take a moment to encourage your employees to enjoy a work-life balance, especially during the summer months. Well-rested, less-stressed drivers make for healthier, happier small business fleets.

WEX speaks the language of small business operators. Whether you’re looking to modernize your insight and reporting efforts, save on fuel costs or take advantage of the latest GPS tracking technologies, WEX offers solutions to simplify the business of running a business. To learn more about WEX, a dynamic and nimble global organization, please visit our About WEX page.

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Source:
American Automobile Association (AAA)
National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Editorial note: This article was originally published on June 4, 2019, and has been updated for this publication.