Fatigue on the Roadways
Transportation | 10-15 min
Summary
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that drowsy driving is involved in 328,000 crashes annually, including 109,000 crashes that cause injuries and 6,400 fatal crashes. These numbers are almost certainly underestimated because, unlike alcohol impairment, fatigue is difficult to test for after a crash. The highest risk periods are between midnight and 6 AM, and again in mid-afternoon, when our circadian rhythms naturally dip.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Drowsy driving crashes are often severe or fatal
- Peak times are late night, early morning, mid-afternoon
- Warning signs include drifting, missing exits, yawning
- Opening windows and music don't prevent drowsy driving
- The only effective countermeasure is sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.