TR Group has launched an online course to help drivers, machine operators, supervisors and managers tackle fatigue and sleepiness.

With at least 10% of road fatalities attributed to drowsy driving, motorists need to be vigilant and educate themselves on the dangers, while fleet managers and operators should be aware of their health and safety obligations to manage fatigue.

“We’ve all seen the catastrophic consequences of crashes where a driver has fallen asleep at the wheel, and it’s a sign of our times that more and more people are pushing the envelope and driving while sleepy or fatigued,” said Neil Bretherton, general manager at TR Driver Training.

“If we can help drivers of all vehicles with reducing fatigue, we can reduce the risk for all road users.”

The course details the differences between fatigue and sleepiness, how people can improve their sleep, what illnesses and conditions cause fatigue, the role of medication, drugs and diet, and how managers and supervisors can create policies and plans to minimise fatigue risk in the workplace.

An average of three people a month lose their lives on the road because of fatigue, and it’s something that drivers may be aware of, but don’t know how to address.

“We shouldn’t underestimate the role fatigue plays in a person’s reaction time, visual acuity and the person’s mental state; driving fatigued can be as bad as driving drunk,” said Dr Simon Dean, a contributor to the course.

“This material is in plain English, making it easy for anyone to apply its recommendations, whether they are driving or managing drivers.”