ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

It is noted that driver fatigue is a nationwide problem, and that falling asleep at the wheel may cause up to 6,500 fatalities yearly, i.e. about 13% of all crash-related deaths. Studies show that crashes peak between midnight and 6 a.m., with a secondary peak in the post-lunch siesta hour. Drivers are urged to plan trips in harmony with internal biological cycles. Idealy, driving schedules should allow for at least one block of anchor sleep at the same time each day. Staggered shifts around the clock are bad. A National Transportation Safety Board study of fatal truck-crash causes show that fatigue is the leading cause of crashes. Studies have also found that as many as 91 % of long-haul drivers violate federal hours-of-service rules.