What are the amendments to the HVNL and how they could affect you
Driver fatigue is one of the top three contributors to the road toll, accounting for around 20-30% of all severe incidents and deaths. Fatigue affects both truck drivers and motorists, and that the science is clear: the only real remedy for fatigue is sleep. That’s why promoting National Driver Fatigue Week (21–27 February) to remind us that sleep cannot be avoided. Much like a nightly debt you must repay and ignoring it can lead to microsleeps, which are brief uncontrollable lapses in to sleep that can have fatal consequences when driving.
This year’s campaign spotlights a practical tool: the 15–20 minute power nap. Short naps taken before deep sleep begins have been proven to restore alertness, boost concentration and improve awareness. The goal is to make fatigue management part of every driver’s practice, regardless of if you’re a professional driver or commuter. Start conversations, promote a power nap, and reinforce when you’re struggling to keep your eyes open.
A short thought exercise
You’re two hours into a journey. The highway is flat, scenery is the same, the sun is high, and your eyelids feel heavy. You’ve slept poorly for the last few nights and you’re trying to make up time. What do you do?
You see a sign for a safe rest area 10 minutes ahead. You could stop, take a 20-minute power nap, and have a coffee before hitting the road, or you could continue and risk a microsleep.
Which choice would protect you, your load, your employer, and everyone else on the road?
Top practical tips to reduce fatigue when driving
The following are some tips to consider when you’re a professional driver, spend a lot of time on the road going from job to job, or even planning a road trip.
- Treat sleep as non‑negotiable
Aim for consistent, quality sleep or around 7+ hours night-to-night. Owing sleep deprives you of alertness as it accumulates. - Plan breaks and schedule rest
Schedule a break at least every two hours and plan routes ahead of time with stops and a realistic arrival time. - Use the power nap strategically
Find a safe parking spot in the rest area. Take off your seatbelt and recline for comfort, lock the doors, set an alarm, and consider a light blanket or eye mask. - Combine caffeine and a nap for short-term gain
Drink a cup of coffee after your power nap. Drink some water, which will keep you alert as the caffeine kicks in, so you wake both rested and more alert. - Know the high-risk times
Late night to early morning and the mid‑afternoon dip (around 2–4 pm) are peak times for sleepiness. Avoid critical driving during these periods where possible. - Recognise the warning signs and act
Repeated yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting lanes, wandering thoughts or hands twitching toward the rumble strip are signs you need to pull over in a safe spot and rest. - Don’t just rely on one trick
Rolling down windows, loud music or talking won’t replace a good power nap as these may help briefly but won’t restore cognitive function. - Be careful with medicines
Many prescription or over‑the‑counter medications increase drowsiness so please ensure you read labels and check with health professionals if unsure. - Share the load
Where possible, rotate drivers on long trips. Sharing driving reduces cumulative fatigue and gives each person time to rest. - Address sleep disorders and long-term sleep health
If you drive professionally, or spend a lot of time on the road, ensure your employer knows of any conditions like sleep apnoea to ensure they can mitigate risk as part of health & safety in the workplace.
Get involved this National Driver Fatigue Week, even if it’s a simple conversation with your staff of drivers, your family over breakfast or your friends over coffee before you start work for the next week. Ensuring you keep on top of toolbox talks within your business is important, make sure you cover fatigue as part of it every time.
Furthermore, as the HVNL amendments expand come July 2026, now is more important than ever to keep on top of fatigue.
When managing a fleet, use technology to make rest part of the plan and Teletrac Navman can help you integrate alerts, scheduling and analytics that support safer journeys. Change how you think about driver fatigue and make fatigue management everyday practice.
Remember, at any time you’re struggling to keep your eyes open, pull over and take a power nap as it could save a life. Make every journey end safely.
To find out more, visit the Power Nap website.