Every driver wants to arrive home safely. However, a driver’s job, family, and friends, can be hard to balance with getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising on a regular basis. Increased awareness of the importance of sleep and the dangers of fatigued driving can help a driver make proper rest and well-being a priority. This course is designed to help drivers recognize the value of adequate sleep and its impact on driver fatigue. Specifically, it covers the warning signs, causes, and effects of fatigue, as well as strategies and tips learners can use to avoid fatigued driving.

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

Introduction

Fatigue Basics

• The Definition of fatigue

• Internal or physical causes of fatigue (poor nutrition, lack of exercise, lack of proper sleep, low circadian, drinking alcohol, some medications, untreated sleep disorders)

• Environment-related causes of fatigue (loud noises, bright lights, time on task, time pressure, poor weather and road conditions, vehicle breakdowns, long-haul driving, changing time zones, etc.)

• Physical effects (slowed reaction time, less attentive, clumsy movements, yawning, blinking frequently, heavy eyelids)

• Mental and emotional effects (decision making abilities, difficulty remembering)

• Signs of fatigued driving (missing your exit, drifting, hitting a rumble strip)

Sleep

• Average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night

• Diet and pre-sleep habits (caffeine, eating before bed, too much light, watching tv, using cellphones or tablets before bed)

• Effects of medication and alcohol (some medications can cause poor sleep)

• Sleep disorders (Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia)

• Physical (strengthens immune system, our bodies heal, strengthens bone and muscle)

• Mental (mentally alert)

• Performance (improved response time, decision making)

• Transitioning back to the road

• Differences between getting proper sleep at home and getting proper sleep on the road

• Take breaks (reduce time on task)

• Keep a regular schedule (night versus day driving)

• Control the vehicle environment (temperature, no distractions, proper seating, proper lighting)

• Stop driving (get off the road, take a nap before getting back on the road)

Conclusion

Approximately 20 minutes

Testing conducted throughout this online course is designed to reinforce the information presented. A mark of 80% must be achieved in order to receive a certificate of completion. Participants are able to repeat the course twice if the pass mark is not achieved.

Upon successful completion of this online course, a certificate of completion will be available for download and printing.