A report entitled 'Fatigue in Focus' has been completed following a study in Sweden to improve knowledge of where accidents due to fatigue occur and to determine the causes of driver fatigue. Statistics suggest that fatigue contributes to many single vehicle accidents in Sweden and that fatigue is more common on roads outside built-up areas. Rumble strips have helped to reduce the number of single vehicle accidents in the USA. The 'Fatigue in Focus' report is based on focus group discussions among long-distance commuters, young drivers, and professional drivers. Professional drivers, but not long-distance commuters, take fatigue seriously and stop driving when tired. Young drivers do not recognise tiredness when driving. Factors associated with tiredness include stress, monotony, the lights of passing vehicles and heat. Young male drivers and shift workers were identified as the most tired drivers on the roads.
Abstract