Driver fatigue or falling asleep are important causes of road accidents. A survey was conducted in Norway in 2003 of drivers' experience, knowledge and conduct relating to fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel. Private and professional drivers were surveyed. The study showed that sleepiness and falling asleep were widespread phenomena. Men were more prone to fatigue than women. The probability of falling asleep was higher in the youngest and oldest age categories. Fewer professional drivers than private drivers had experienced falling asleep. Both categories had a good knowledge of the risk of falling asleep while driving, but few knew that sleep-related accidents are more severe than other accidents. The most common cause of sleepiness was insufficient sleep. In spite of knowledge of the risk of falling asleep and of the effectiveness of stopping and taking a nap, most continued driving when recognising sleepiness whilst driving.
Samenvatting