Countermeasures for Mitigating Fatigue in Motor Vehicle Operators

Abstract

Sleep debt and time of day/night (circadian rhythm) exert substantial effects on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operator (e.g. truck and bus/motor coach, railroad engineer, aviation pilot) performance—and, therefore, safety. In this chapter, the influence of sleep debt and circadian effects on operator performance are described. Efficacy of various countermeasures is reviewed, and the influence of individual operator traits (genetic factors) is briefly discussed. It is concluded that sleep (napping) remains the best strategy for restoring and maintaining CMV operator neurobehavioral performance. Results from ongoing research will lead to occupation-specific and individualized strategies for managing sleepiness and fatigue in operational environments.