Driver fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired — it can impair reaction times, reduce vigilance, and cloud judgment, creating crash risks comparable to impaired driving. Fatigue is a leading contributing factor in roadway incidents involving commercial vehicles, particularly among long-haul and irregular-schedule drivers.
Several industry-specific factors make driver fatigue a pervasive problem:
Sleep deprivation — Most adults need 7–9 hours of good sleep; falling short repeatedly increases crash risk.
Irregular schedules and long hours — Early start times, rotating shifts, back-to-back loads, or extended drives disrupt sleep cycles and build cumulative fatigue.
Monotonous driving conditions — Long stretches of highway, low-stimulation environments, or night driving can lull a driver into drowsiness.
Health and lifestyle factors — Undiagnosed sleep disorders, poor diet, dehydration, stress, or lack of exercise often amplify fatigue impacts.
Knowing the early warning signs of fatigue can help prevent crashes before they happen. Watch for:
Frequent yawning or rubbing eyes
Difficulty maintaining lane position — drifting, weaving, or inconsistent speed
Heavy eyelids, head nodding, or “microsleeps”
Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
Slowed reaction time, delayed decision-making, or missing road signs
If any of these signs appear — pull over as soon as safely possible. Fatigue isn’t something to push through.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets Hours-of-Service rules to reduce fatigue-related crashes. Key provisions include:
Maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour total on-duty limit per day
Required 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
Weekly cap on total hours to prevent chronic fatigue
Learn more about FMCSA HOS rules
Prioritize sleep: aim for 7–9 hours whenever possible.
Use rest breaks wisely — short naps (20–30 min) and light activity (stretching, hydration, walking) restore alertness better than caffeine alone.
Monitor fatigue signs closely and stop driving if you feel impaired.
Plan driving schedules to avoid high-risk circadian lows (late night, early morning, mid-afternoon).
Build realistic schedules to prevent excessive hours or back-to-back shifts.
Encourage open reporting: drivers must feel safe admitting when they’re fatigued.
Provide fatigue awareness training and resources for healthy lifestyle habits.
Support compliance with HOS rules and consider monitoring technology or wellness programs.
For more guidance on workplace safety programs, visit OSHA’s Motor Vehicle Safety page.
Fatigue risk isn’t always a “driver problem.” Often, it stems from unrealistic workloads, tight delivery schedules, or insufficient organizational support. Fleets that foster a safety culture — prioritizing rest, realistic schedules, and driver wellness — reduce risk and improve outcomes.
Before Driving:
Get 7–9 hours of sleep
Review medication labels for drowsiness side effects
Plan rest breaks along your route
Hydrate and eat light meals
On the Road:
Take breaks every 2–3 hours
Avoid driving during high-risk times (midnight–6 a.m., 1–4 p.m.)
Increase following distance
Watch for early signs of fatigue (yawning, drifting, heavy eyelids)
If Fatigue Occurs:
Pull over safely immediately
Take a short nap (20–30 minutes)
Stretch, walk, or hydrate to restore alertness
Notify dispatch if rest is needed
Never attempt to “push through” fatigue
Driver fatigue is a serious, but preventable hazard. Recognizing warning signs, respecting rest needs, following reasonable driving schedules, and building supportive organizational practices can dramatically reduce fatigue-related incidents.
If you’d like help designing a driver fatigue awareness program, training module, or compliance plan for your fleet — including practical and regulatory-based guidance — Sentry Road can help your organization stay safe and compliant.