You should always exercise good business judgement while operating a transportation mode to ensure your safety and those of other Canadian residents!
Plan ahead before you hit the road for a delivery run to ensure you’re alert, and ready to drive!
Did you know that according to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police reports 20% of fatal collisions in Canada are attributed to drowsy drivers. Research from the National Sleep Association has shown that not sleeping for more than 18 hours has an effect on your driving ability which is the same as a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05.
Driving tired can ultimately increase crash risk. Below are some tips on how to recognize the signs of fatigue so you can avoid driving tired.
What are the early signs of fatigue?
- Yawning
- Difficulties concentrating
- Sore eyes
- Slow reaction time
- Daydreaming
- Oversteering
How do I avoid it?
Listening to the radio, drinking coffee and opening the windows may not stop you from being tired over long periods of time. If you feel tired, we recommend you exercise your business judgement and consider going home to rest.
You should pull over and stop when it is safe to do so, as soon as you experience any of these warning signs.
Here are some tips to help prevent extreme tiredness while delivering:
- Get a good night’s sleep – It is generally recommended to get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.
- Be careful when driving at night – The chances of an incident are much higher late night and early morning, so be extra cautious.
- Take regular breaks – Taking a regular 15-minute break at least every two hours can refresh your mind Get out of the car, get some fresh air and even some exercise.
- Remember to Eat – Try to eat at your usual times in sync with your body clock.
- Check your medication guide – Some medications can cause drowsiness. It’s always best to read the label and check with a medical practitioner if you’re unsure.
If you want more information, Road Safety at Work for some great tips on managing fatigue and some warning signs to watch out for.
Remember, avoiding driver fatigue could save your and others lives!