New figures have shown that nearly 1,300 collisions in one year were caused by drowsy drivers as experts call for new rules
Experts are calling for the introduction of new road safety laws to combat the serious issue of driver fatigue—analogous to the use of breathalysers to deter drink-driving. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has unveiled research showing that over 430 individuals were killed or gravely injured in fatigue-related crashes in 2023.
The alarming figure of nearly 1,300 accidents attributed to sleep-deprived drivers has spurred demands from specialists for legislative action to protect road users. Both RoSPA and the Fatigue Group are reaching out to the Government, proposing initiatives such as a standard test for driver alertness alongside awareness campaigns targeted at vulnerable groups, including those working shifts.
December 2023 saw the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport department releasing a report on Safety Performance Indicators focusing on fatigue, highlighting the dangerous combination of tiredness behind the wheel. The report estimates fatigue plays a role in 15 to 20 percent of vehicular crashes.
Additionally, recent data from the Medical Defence Union (MDU) suggests that an overwhelming 90 percent of medical professionals experience sleep deprivation on the job—a statistic reflective of a wider occupational hazard. Caitlin Taylor, RoSPA’s road safety manager, pointed to the significant annual toll of serious and deadly incidents because of drowsy driving.
She underscored the need for immediate measures against this “preventable” peril, as reported by GB News. She declared: “Fatigue impairs driving ability similar to drink or drug driving but gets much less attention. This must change. Fatigue slows reaction times, reduces awareness, and affects decision-making, putting everyone at risk. RoSPA calls on employers, policymakers, and the Government to act now by improving workplace fatigue management, investing in public awareness campaigns, and collecting better data.”
The scarcity of information about crashes where tiredness is a factor is raising alarm bells. Both RoSPA and the pioneering Fatigue Group suggest that authorities set up a dedicated national record of incidents caused by drowsy driving to support their campaign to raise public consciousness.
Spearheaded by accomplished NHS anaesthetists who have experienced the heartbreak of losing peers to fatigue-related road accidents post-shifts, the Fatigue Group has been active in championing this cause. Part of their guidance for motorists involves the simple ‘HALT’ reminder – don’t drive if you are hungry, angry, late, or tired – and to take regular breaks during work hours to lower the chances of road mishaps.
For those covering extensive miles or working unconventional hours, tactics such as caffeinated drinks or brief power naps may offer temporary relief from sleepiness. Notwithstanding, RoSPA is keen to point out that these practices are not fail-safe solutions and should not be habitually depended upon during each trip.
Dr Karen McDonnell, RoSPA’s Occupational Safety and Health Adviser, has commented: “Defining fatigue is a subject of great conversation. The report describes it as “a broad concept which is often used interchangeably with concepts like tiredness, drowsiness and sleepiness”. There is no single definition, but at least the conversations are being had that unpick the topic, looking at what the magnitude of the challenge is and then what has worked within each of our sphere of influence.”
She continued, “On average, 23 per cent of European drivers reported driving when being fatigued in Europe when asked the following question: “Over the last 30 days how often did you, as a car driver, drive when you were so sleepy that you had trouble keeping your eyes open?
” What answer do you think you would get from asking the same question about people in your organisation who drive for work? It is also worth considering the age range of people in your organisation who drive for work, as the report highlights a higher incidence of fatigued driving in 18-24 year olds – 30 per cent against 11 per cent of those aged 65 and over.”
Employers are now being encouraged to ensure their employees are adequately rested by allowing regular breaks and integrating effective fatigue risk management into work schedules. JP Lomas from the Fatigue Group emphasised that exhaustion is a frequent consequence of working long hours, especially in high-stress jobs, leading to increased risk-taking among drivers.
The organisation’s study uncovered that a staggering 57% of trainees and 45% of consultants had been involved in an accident or near miss due to fatigue after working a lengthy shift.
