22 October 2024
If you’re running a business, you'll know how crazy it can get over the end of year period. Last year was probably a blur where many days ended long after 5 pm and left you and your team exhausted. Here are some tips from our NRMA driver training team for you and your employees to help avoid festive fatigue coming into December as the silly season kicks into full swing.
Depending on your business type, there’ll be several things that could cause the wheels to fall off due to fatigue in the rush leading up to Christmas.
One of them is people and the other, often overlooked, is motor vehicles. Both are incredibly important to look after – especially at this very busy time of year.
Here are our top tips for you and your team to help avoid festive fatigue coming into December as the silly season kicks into full swing:
1. Check in with your drivers
How well are your drivers able to recognise and manage their level of fatigue when driving on our roads? Can they recognise when to take a break or when they need support? What is the business doing to manage their levels of fatigue?
We all know when fatigue affects our reaction times and critical decision making. More importantly it negatively impacts our thoughts and emotions, and adversely affects our responses to other people’s behaviour.
Ensure your team know when to take a 15 minute break, and ensure they get out of the vehicle at least every 2 hours. Discuss the impact of sleep debt and its effects. Equip your team with rest stop locations along their route and promote healthy wellbeing in your workplace.
2. Maintain your fleet
When pushing your vehicles to meet over demand, all mechanical devices become fatigued, and without proper care and attention, car, trucks, and vans can break down more frequently and safety can suffer. The lost productivity from a vehicle sitting on the side of the road will always cost more than some preventative maintenance.
Monitor your fleet throughout the year and ensure pre start and maintenance checks are diligently carried out and recorded - such as vehicle damage, tyre pressures, wear and damage, fluid levels etc - particularly before the busy season gets underway. Make sure the routine services have been carried out prior to this busy period, and talk to drivers and line managers about how to manage fatigue and keeping everyone safe.
Also take note as to how the cargo is loaded into your vehicles. How safe is the cabin of the a vehicle if a collision was to occur? Cargo can be deadly if not properly secured, particularly in the cabin of the vehicle.
3. Driver self-awareness
Fatigue related crashes can happen on any trip, no matter the distance or time of day. And fatigue related crashed are almost three times as likely to be fatal – after all, how quickly can you react when you’re asleep.
But how aware of your own fatigue are you while driving? Can you recognise the early warning signs of fatigue and do you have a plan to rest. Visit testyourtiredself.com.au to find out how you fare when tired.
Know the early warning signs, as a micro-sleep is not a warning sign, it is fatigue at a critical level. Your early warning signs of fatigue may be yawning, fidgeting, lack of scanning and vehicle swaying in the lane.
Warning signs can be subtle, such as feeling agitated or bored. We need to be pro-active when it comes to fatigue.
4. Consider the rhythm of the road
The 9 to 5 routine isn’t necessarily the most productive anymore. In fact, the deadliest time to be on the road is between 3pm and 5pm. Make the most of the summer sun and keep drivers safe by potentially running split shifts or extending trading hours to spread the load over a longer period. Keep your business safe by consulting your drivers as to when is the best times to drive on the roads, as they are your subject experts, then schedule deliveries to help keep your drivers safe and your business running efficiently.
It’s a good idea to reassess your regular routes each week in December to ensure they’re still working best for your company. Keeping drivers off the road during busy times is also great for their mental health and allows for enforced time to rest.
For drivers in regional areas, wildlife needs special consideration. Wildlife tends to be most active at dawn and dusk, so drivers will benefit from being more alert at these periods.
Read more about regional road safety and wildlife here.
5. Eat well and stay hydrated
Eating healthy – especially when doing a lot of driving - means maintaining your mental alertness, lowering your fatigue, and making sure you respond quickly to emergencies on the road.
Opt for water over highly caffeinated and sugary drinks. It’s good for your brain and cognitive load, good for your body, and encourages toilet breaks!
Most of all, don’t forget to take your designated breaks for lunch. This gives you an opportunity to recharge and reassess your list of priorities. If you’re on the road, it’s a good idea to stop at a park and get out of the car to eat. The break will give you an opportunity to stretch, refresh, and get some fresh air or take a short walk.
