Driver fatigue is a safety concern as sleepy drivers are more likely to crash than alert drivers. However, it is one thing to recognise that sleepiness is a critical safety issue; it is quite another to set up a successful, scientifically informed fatigue risk management programme. Those seeking to do so face challenges. Sleepiness management is a complex issue but with the right outlook, it is possible to use an evidence-based approach to manage the risk of driver fatigue.

Loughborough University has partnered with Road Safety, GB, the RAC Foundation, IAM RoadSmart and PACTS to develop an online learning resource to facilitate fatigue management for road safety professionals. Development was informed through a consultation exercise with stakeholders such as fleet managers and road safety officers. This identified key topic areas of importance including the fundamentals of fatigue and sleep science, practical advice and information about countermeasures.  Important delivery mechanisms included self-pacing, easy to understand short sections and post learning resource access.

The final Fatigue Management in Road Transport online learning resource can be found on the Road Safety GB Academy website. There are three self-guided modules covering: why driver fatigue occurs, how to recognise fatigue and sleepiness and how they affect performance, as well as enabling the learner to understand the rules and regulations relating to fatigue. A fourth optional module provides guidance about approaching fatigue management in a systematic way by using a toolbox with interventions that can be tailored to the needs of the organisation.

Dr Ashleigh Filtness, Professor of Transport Human Factors and Sleep Science, Loughborough University

Dr Ashleigh Filtness is a Professor of Transport Human Factors and Sleep Science at Loughborough University, based in the Transport Safety Research Centre. She has spent more than 18 years performing transportation safety research and has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications.

Her research seeks to enhance understanding of the situations that contribute to sleepiness and fatigue, and how they can best be managed to reduce their impact on safety.