Driver fatigue demands multifaceted approach

Truck drivers remain the backbone of the country’s supply chain, making their health and alertness critical to keeping the economy moving. Yet, according to Andries Mouton, who has conducted extensive research into driver fatigue while studying at the University of Stellenbosch, fatigue remains one of the most underestimated threats to road safety. “Fatigue doesn’t just affect the driver – it endangers everyone on the road, increases infrastructure costs and has severe personal and company- level impacts,” said Mouton, who now works as a supply chain analyst for a major bank. Mouton, who launched a research study into driver fatigue as part of his post- graduate work after carriers raised concerns that in-cab fatigue monitoring systems were not delivering optimal results, found that while the technology provided valuable data, it was not enough on its own. “Simply fitting fatigue monitors in trucks does not solve the problem – it has to be supported by proper scheduling, education and behaviour change,” he said during an event hosted by the Transport Forum. His study expanded to include the analysis of driver schedules and telematics data to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes and effects of fatigue. Mouton’s findings show that fatigue is multifaceted and highly individual. “It’s not only about how long a driver sleeps, but the quality of rest and when and where that rest happens,” he explains. The study found that extended off-duty periods of more than 24 hours, for example, often led to higher fatigue risk as many drivers used the time for travel or second jobs instead of recovery. Similarly, circadian rhythm misalignment, particularly for night- shift drivers, and irregular scheduling were found to also heighten fatigue levels. Interestingly, drivers waiting longer at depots experienced slightly reduced fatigue risk, as these rest periods offered some recovery time. “It highlights the opportunity to improve rest facilities at depots to support optimal recovery,” said Mouton. The research found that effective fatigue management required a multi-layered approach – combining training, scheduling reform, education, monitoring systems, as well as better roadside and depot facilities. “No single countermeasure is enough. The goal is to create fatigue-resistant operations that protect both drivers and the communities sharing the road.” LV