By Dave Millhouser

It was ironic, nearing the end of a 14-hour work day and my buddy invited me to a lecture on, of all things, sleep deprivation.

The Australian triple-trailer truck driver turned sleep expert was so engaging, and informative, that not only did I stay awake for the whole meeting but I may have actually learned a few things.

My early years in the industry were spent driving buses for a non-profit that was completely unregulated. Twenty-hour driving stints were common.

The fact that we managed to operate millions of miles, without hurting anyone, was not a tribute to skill. No driver is skilled when he or she is tired. We survived because of dumb luck, or a protective God. (Im going with the theological alternative.)

Most of us understand that all human beings experience a sort of dead zone just before dawn. Everything just sloooooooows way down. Thats when a huge percentage of accidents occur, many of them leaving telltale tire tracks trailing off the pavement at predictable angles.

Our Australian mentor managed to surprise us with a number of additional facts. A driver, part of a test, wired up, knowing he was being observed was still not be able to combat the effect of fatigue. No amount of coffee, or awareness, can overcome it. The only solution is a break.

The other eye opener (a little sleep pun) was that a similar dead zone happens during the afternoon. Its less pronounced but just as real, with accident statistics to prove it.

He went on to provide tons of information on how useful different sleep intervals were, and other worthwhile stuff. Its all out there, and immensely helpful. Many of the best insurance companies will gladly help you find it.

The tragic March 2007 pre-dawn fatal accident in Atlanta, where a coach went airborne off a poorly marked ramp, taught a number of lessons. One hasnt been discussed enough.

It appears that both the company and the driver did everything right. The drivers hours of service were fine, and he was fresh from 10 hours in a hotel room. Pre-dawn drowsiness, and a confusing traffic pattern, conspired with lethal results.

The point is, while its important to abide Uncle Sams hours-of-service regulations, they are a weak attempt to mirror Mother Nature, and her laws matter more.

Mother Nature cant be beat but there are some ways to accommodate her.

Line schedules can be designed with breaks and meal stops during the dangerous hours. Even a few minutes out of the drivers seat can be helpful.

Charter companies can sometimes convince their clientele that driving through the night is not the safest way to go. When the customer insists, properly placed relief drivers, and scheduled breaks can help.

On long hauls, some operators satisfy Uncle Sam by getting 15 driving hours out of two drivers, without having to pay for a hotel room. Uncle Sam may be OK with this, but it irritates hell out of Mother Nature. Trust your Mother.

A couple of things to consider...

Make the prevention of sleep deprivation a key component, not just of your safety program, but as a part of your sales process.

Use all the information your insurance company, and other sources, can provide. Drivers need to know it and your sales folks need to understand the implications, as they consult with customers on how to structure charters and tours. Sell safety.

Try to resist accepting business you know is risky. If you cant change the customers mind, turn them down. You may save their lives, and worst case, you give an unreasonable consumer to the competition. Let the competitor bet their companys future.

Finally, your driver is still the key. You can provide time and comfortable lodging, but its tough to MAKE them rest.

One coach driver has faced jail time because, after an accident, he showed up on a casinos security camera videotape from the preceding night. His employer provided ample time off, and a room, but he chose to spend the night gambling. Investigators spotted him on the tape, and he was charged. Drivers need to understand that part of their job is taking care of themselves.

Commercial vehicle accidents involving tired drivers are now a hot button with the public. We may be one of the few industries where you can go to jail for working too hard, but thats exactly what has happened to some drivers. If theres an accident, safety will trump economics every time. As it should.

A number of guys still knocking around the coach industry worked for that same nonprofit. Times were different, and we were young and naïve. Our boss was a great leader and teacher, but he had one tiny weakness. He dealt with tired drivers by saying "Whats the matter, you afraid of the dark?"

Dont do that.

Dave Millhouser is a bus industry marketing consultant and freelance writer. Contact him at: dave_millhouser@hotmail.com.