Driver fatigue is one of the hottest topics in trucking today.  Fatigue management will likely play a part in future hours-of-service changes, and the media always shows an interest, especially after an accident.  We have all heard stories of tragedies occurring when a driver falls asleep at the wheel.  Besides the loss of life, cargo, and equipment, attorneys are causing companies and drivers to be held personally responsible.

There is no doubt driver fatigue is an important safety issue.  We all need to do our parts to ensure we, and our fellow drivers, make it home safely.

Here are some tips and warning signs:

Don’t let your log book control your sleep pattern.  The hours of service rules are meant to apply to a broad range of drivers, but every person sleeps differently.  Never drive over the hours of service standards and pull over to rest any time you feel fatigued.

Allow yourself time to wake up before you start out driving.  Sleep inertia, a physical state in which the body is recovering from sleep, can seriously limit driving ability.  Make sure you are completely awake before you begin driving.

Be aware of key drowsiness times.  When the sun shines directly into the truck, at sunrise and sunset, you are at

greater risk of fatigue.  Since these times of days often correspond to heavy traffic, pay close attention to your driving performance.

Watch for Warning Signs:

• You had fewer than 8 hrs sleep in the past 24 hours
• Increased yawning, blinking, head nodding
• Slower decision making
• Sporadic variations in vehicle speed
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Erratic gear shifting
• Weaving

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) have announced participation in the alliance for an Experienced Workforce, a first of its kind collaboration between industry associations, designed to promote strategies for recruiting and retaining workers over the

age of 50 as well as planning for the demographic challenges that will face the US workforce in the coming years.

Comprised of more than 20 industry associations, representing over 5 million businesses, and spearheaded

by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the alliance is expected to serve as a catalyst for bringing government, employers, and employees together to help and encourage workers to remain employed beyond the typical retirement age.