During the 1980s, the National Transportation Safety Board investigated several accindets that involved operator fatigue. Following completion of these accident investigations, the Safety Board in 1989 issues three recommendation to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): expedite a coordinated research program on the effects of fatigue, sleepiness, sleep disorders, and circadian factors on transportation safety (I-89-1); develop and disseminate education material for transportation industry personnel and management regarding shift work; work and rest schedules; and proper regimens of health, diet, and rest. (I-89-2); review and upgrade regulations governing hours of service for all transportation modes to assure that they are consistent and that they incorporate the results of the latest research on fatigue and sleep issue. (I-89-3).
Excessive sleepiness may result in an increased risk of a motor vehicle crash either because the motorist falls asleep while driving or because he exp...
Humans are a diurnal species, programmed to be awake during the day and asleep at night. Therefore, it is not surprising that sleepiness plays an impo...
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United States Department of Transportation
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