Driving for Work: Mythbusters
52 common misconceptions – and the facts employers and drivers need to know
Myth 41: Fatigue is just about being tired
Fatigue in a driving context is far more complex than simply feeling sleepy.
It encompasses physical fatigue from long hours or physical work, cognitive fatigue from sustained concentration and decision-making, emotional fatigue from stress and anxiety, and cumulative fatigue built up across multiple days of insufficient rest.
A driver can feel relatively alert while still experiencing significantly impaired reaction time and decision-making ability. Microsleeps – brief involuntary losses of consciousness lasting a few seconds – can occur without the driver being aware they have happened.
Employers and drivers need a much broader understanding of fatigue than the simple equation of ‘tired equals fall asleep’.
Driver takeaway:
Fatigue is not just about feeling sleepy. Cognitive, emotional, and cumulative fatigue all impair your driving even when you feel broadly alert.
If your concentration is slipping or your reactions feel slow, stop.
Manager takeaway:
Build fatigue risk management into scheduling, shift patterns, and workload planning – not just into drivers’ hours compliance.
Train managers to recognise fatigue indicators and respond supportively.
