The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is now offering a free online presentation for truckers describing the signs, causes and effects of driver fatigue and some strategies to manage it. “SAFE-T: Sleep, Alertness and Fatigue Education for Truckers” is available at www.aasmnet.org/safet. The presentation also is on YouTube to share or embed.
The 23-minute narrated slide presentation explores the causes of driver fatigue, such as working outside of a typical 9-to-5 schedule or working unpredictable schedules. The presentation also discusses good sleep strategies for the road or at home to help manage fatigue. Planning sleep breaks and the timing of sleep breaks, managing off-hour responsibilities and improving sleep environments are among the tips given.
“It is vital that commercial operators understand fatigue and risks of driving while tired,” says Sam Fleishman, AASM president. “Drivers need to be alert to operate their vehicles safely. Reduced alertness levels not only put their lives at risk but also jeopardize the safety of others on the road.” The AASM is a professional membership society that sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research.
