Keeping It Fresh: Fatigue Management

By Veronica Marshall
Broker’s Assistant, ALC Boston

Everyday there are millions of drivers on the road in the U.S. Unfortunately many of these drivers see or experience the dangers of driving while fatigued.

According to a recent publication, “approximately one in every five fatal vehicular crashes involve driver fatigue; a third of crashes involving a drowsy driver result in injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations stated, tired drivers are responsible for over 70,000 crashes a year, causing nearly 45,000 injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year are caused by drowsy drivers.”

We have to take responsibility for our own actions. If we feel tired but think we could go another five miles or so, don’t do it. Some people are unaware of how tired they are and begin to fall asleep behind the wheel.

Truck drivers do not sleep enough for the amount of work that they do, making them more likely to have accidents late at night or early in the morning. That is why it is best for all drivers to get adequate rest and be aware of their lethargies.

Truck driving is a popular industry and can become competitive. It is important for us to remember that the safety of everyone on the road is our top priority.

Can you imagine if all our truck drivers were tired, set the wrong temperature or crashed and never made it to their destinations? Not only is being alert important for driving but you also need to be attentive to temperature controls, especially with refrigerated freight.

The produce cannot be too cold or hot during the trip. Every product, especially produce, is different when it comes to temperature requirements. The products have a limited time to stay fresh in our trucks, which is why we must be vigilant.

If deliveries are late, the integrity of the produce could begin to deteriorate. With everything going on in the world today we need our produce delivered in the shape that it was picked up in. This is why truck drivers need to be alert and attentive when transporting produce.
Here are some tips on how to remain alert and attentive while driving:

1. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep on a daily basis.
2. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
3. Avoid taking medications that may cause drowsiness.
4. Be aware of warning signs to know when you should take a break. Warning signs can include frequent yawning, eyelids feeling heavy, blurred vision, inability to concentrate, feeling your head start to tilt or fall to one side.

Overall, its is important for all truck drivers to sleep well before long hauls, follow hours of service regulations, and recognize and acknowledge feelings of fatigue. If needed, find a rest stop or safe place to pull over and rest. The safety of truck drivers and other drivers on the road is a top priority.

Veronica Marshall began working for the Allen Lund Company in April of 2019, as a broker’s assistant for the Boston office. Marshall earned a degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts Boston.