Preventing driver fatigue: practical strategies for fleet safety

Learn how to identify and mitigate the risks of driver fatigue with practical strategies for scheduling, training, and technology use in commercial transport.

Driver fatigue is one of the most dangerous, and most underestimated, risks in commercial transport.It’s a factor in up to 30% of fatal heavy vehicle crashes in Australia, according to Transport for NSW. Unlike speed or alcohol, fatigue doesn’t show up on a test, but its effects are just as deadly.

Common fatigue triggers include:

●      Long-haul driving without adequate rest breaks.

●      Poor sleep quality the night before a shift.

●      Monotonous routes that reduce alertness.

●     Back-to-back shifts or lack of schedule variation.


How to reduce fatigue-related risk:

●      Ensure drivers follow regulated work/rest limits.

●      Use telematics to flag unusual braking or lane drifting patterns.

●      Promote sleep hygiene in toolbox talks and driver communications.

●     Build in shift rotations that prevent long-term fatigue build-up.

At Insuret, we work with fleets to build safety-first cultures, because insurance alone isn’t enough. It’s about prevention, support,and long-term resilience.

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