Fatigue in traffic
An underestimated problem
Fatigue among drivers plays a larger role in causing crashes than was supposed until now. Fatigue crashes are not only a matter of having spent too long behind the wheel: they can also be caused by not enough sleep, stress, or time of the day. According to studies abroad, driver fatigue is involved in 10-15% of all severe crashes.
Although technical aids that prevent fatigue crashes are being developed, they are not yet ready for use. At this moment in time, the only means available to combat fatigue crashes are consistent application (and enforcement of) the driving and resting hours, and a safety culture in the road haulage industry. Ordinary car drivers (i.e. non-professionals) should be warned of the risks of fatigue via campaigns.
For more details: Factsheet 'Fatigue in traffic, causes and effects' (pdf).
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