Vehicle incident – driver tiredness
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 November 2023
- Generated on 18 February 2026
- IMCA SF 26/23
- 2 minute read
On completion of work on a project site, a company team were driving back to their home base.
What happened?
Approximately 1 hr 45 mins into the journey the driver started to feel tired – however, he continued to drive on to the scheduled rest stop, approximately 10 km away.
Prior to reaching the rest stop, the vehicle gradually drifted onto the hard shoulder and crashed into the back of a stationary police vehicle. The driver and third party (the policeman in the stationary car) were not injured – however, the passenger, who had an open laptop computer on his knees and was using his phone, sustained a fractured arm and broken nose when the airbag deployed during the crash.
Vehicle drifted onto hard shoulder and crashed into the back of a stationary police vehicle
What went right?
- Documented procedures and controls were in place.
- The passenger was also licensed and authorised to drive.
What went wrong?
- Documented procedures and controls were not strictly followed in terms of fatigue management.
- Though they could have swapped over, the driver did not initiate a driver change when he felt tired.
- Unsecured cargo or luggage including laptop computers can cause serious injury if not stowed away and secured.
- The driver has the ultimate responsibility for their actions - however, an observant passenger aware of their surroundings could have alerted the driver that the vehicle was drifting onto the hard shoulder.
Actions
- Effectively manage journeys and speak up when circumstances change and /or we experience fatigue.
- Recognise your own tiredness and be aware of your limitations.
- As a passenger, be aware of your surroundings and keep a reasonable lookout for unsafe driver habits and conditions.
- Stow and secure luggage and/or equipment including laptop computers in designated compartments / pockets or the trunk or boot before starting journeys.
- As a passenger in a car, don’t use a laptop computer while the vehicle is moving.
- Make use of dashcams.
Members may wish to refer to:
Related safety flashes
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IMCA SF 18/22
22 July 2022
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