Recognize the "red flags" of drowsy driving
Understand the dangers of driving while tired
Learn proactive strategies to prevent fatigue
Practice reactive measures when fatigue hits
Know when to disengage and stop driving
Alright, let's get real for a minute. We've all been there: a long day on the job, the sun is setting, and you're fighting to keep your eyes open behind the wheel. Believe it or not, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. This isn't just about feeling a little sleepy; it's about a serious and often-overlooked hazard that puts everyone on the road at risk. In fact, driving after being awake for 20 hours is like driving with a blood alcohol content of .08%, the legal limit in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that thousands of crashes, injuries, and deaths are caused by fatigued drivers each year, with the true number likely much higher.
This course is your toolbelt for staying alert and getting home safely. We'll start by teaching you to recognize the subtle "red flags" that signal you're about to lose your battle with fatigue, like mental fogginess, physical symptoms, and changes in your driving performance. We'll then break down the proactive measures that can help you avoid fatigue in the first place, from getting enough sleep and practicing good "sleep hygiene" to taking regular breaks on long trips.
But we don't stop at the basics. This course dives into reactive measures for when fatigue hits unexpectedly. You'll learn why "alertness hacks" like loud music or open windows are temporary fixes, and what the only truly effective solution is: stopping the car. We’ll also cover the most important rule: your safety comes first. It's not about pushing through; it's about knowing when to pull over and rest, even if it means arriving late. By mastering these skills, you'll be the one who keeps the crew safe and ensures you arrive at your destination in one piece. This training is for anyone who wants to be a problem-solver on the road, from individual drivers to fleet managers and supervisors. It's a must-have for building a professional and safe team.
This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.
View this course in a classroom
environment, or assign it to your
team individually with testing
and recordkeeping capabilities.
Each title includes an embed
feature that allows users to add
videos to their existing training
platform or LMS.
View this course in a classroom
environment, or assign it to your
team individually with testing
and recordkeeping capabilities.
Drowsy driving is operating a vehicle while fatigued. It can impair a driver's attention, reaction time, and decision-making, similar to the effects of alcohol or drugs.
Sleep debt is the accumulated deficit from not getting enough sleep over time. It can significantly impair your driving ability and your brain's performance, even if you feel like you've "gotten used to" less sleep.
Microsleep is a brief, involuntary episode of sleep that can last for a few seconds. At highway speeds, a vehicle can travel the length of a football field during a 5-second microsleep, making it extremely dangerous.
Warning signs can be mental, such as wandering thoughts or not remembering the last few miles; physical, like frequent yawning or heavy eyelids; or related to driving performance, such as drifting lanes or missing a turn.
The only effective method is to stop driving and take a rest. Pull over at a safe place and take a 20-minute nap to increase alertness. Do not rely on temporary fixes like caffeine or loud music.
Disclaimer: This training has been developed to teach driver safety strategies in fighting fatigue and drowsy driving. All information provided are guidelines and are not meant to supersede state and federal laws and regulations. This training includes information from the US Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the National Safety Council. Information provided hereafter is for educational purposes only.