Preventing the worst outcomes.
WHY IT MATTERS ABOVE EVERYTHING
Road accidents kill people, and fatigue is a leading cause.
WHAT FATIGUE PRODUCES
Slower reaction Poor judgement Micro-sleep
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Maximum driving hours Required rest periods Limits on night driving Rules about overnight journeys
WHY LIMITS MATTER MORE THAN EXHORTATION
Drivers paid per trip will drive tired unless prevented.
WHAT TO AVOID
Payment structures that reward covering more distance in less time.
WHY
They directly cause accidents.
WHAT TO PLAN
Journeys that can be completed within safe hours.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Overnight stops, on long routes.
WHAT TO BUDGET
The cost of those stops.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT SPEED
Limits, and how they are monitored.
WHAT MONITORING OPTIONS EXIST
Tracking devices reporting speed Speed limiters, where fitted
WHAT TO TRAIN
Defensive driving What to do in an emergency Load security Handling difficult road conditions
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Vehicles that are roadworthy.
WHY THAT IS PART OF SAFETY
Brake and tyre failures cause accidents that no driver can prevent.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR ACCIDENTS
Who is contacted, immediately What the driver does at the scene What is recorded Who deals with authorities and insurers
WHAT TO NEVER PRIORITISE
The cargo over the people.