Business Fleet Logo

43% of Americans Admit to Risk-Raising Fatigue

A new National Safety Council Study also finds that 97% of Americans acknowledge having at least one of the nine main risk factors for fatigue.

July 28, 2017
43% of Americans Admit to Risk-Raising Fatigue

 

Photo: National Safety Council

2 min to read


A new study from the National Safety Council concludes that 43% of Americans admit they don’t get enough sleep to mitigate safety risks at work and on the road, acknowledging that fatigue diminishes their ability to think clearly and make informed decisions.

The research project’s survey found that 97% of Americans have at least one of the nine biggest risk factors for fatigue. These factors include shift work (night, early-morning, rotating or irregular shifts), high-risk hours (even occasionally working at night or in the early morning), having a job that’s cognitively or physically demanding, long shifts (10 hours or more), long weeks (50 hours or more), sleep loss (less than seven hours a day), no rest breaks, quick shift returns (less than 12 hours between shifts), and long commutes.

Ad Loading...

A total of 76% of Americans say they feel tired at work, 53% feel less productive, and 44% have trouble focusing, the report notes. A total of 16% admit to having nodded off on the road in the previous month.

“These findings are a literal wake-up call,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “When we’re tired, we can put ourselves and others at risk. We hope Americans recognize that impairment stems not just from alcohol and drugs, but lack of restorative rest. Fitness for duty starts with getting a good night’s sleep.”

Graphic courtesy of the National Safety Council.

The survey — the entirety of which will be released in three separate reports — also found:

  • 41% work high-risk hours, at least occasionally.

  • 39% have trouble remembering things at work because of fatigue.

  • 31% commute 30 minutes or more, which exacerbates the chances of falling asleep behind the wheel.

  • 27% have trouble making decisions because of fatigue.

  • 10% don’t get regular rest breaks.

There are also geographical trends when it comes to the number of Americans with fatigue risk factors. The National Safety Council survey identified that the South has the highest mean number of risk factors at 3.21, while the Midwest has the lowest with 2.94 risk factors.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Safety

Snow-covered road through a winter forest with the words “Are You Prepared?” across the sky.
Safetyby Lauren FletcherSeptember 14, 2026

Who Makes the Call When Winter Weather Gets Dangerous?

Winter weather can quickly change a small fleet’s plans. Knowing when to reroute, delay, or stop can matter just as much as preparing the vehicles themselves.

Read More →
Fuel nozzle positioned near a vehicle’s open fuel filler as blue static electricity arcs between the nozzle and fill point.
Safetyby StaffAugust 31, 2026

API Issues Refueling Safety Guidelines

The American Petroleum Institute offers a list of safe vehicle refueling guidelines, including ways to avoid potential problems with static electricity discharges in fall, winter, and early spring.

Read More →
Winter emergency kit with gloves, flashlight, snow brush, and cold-weather supplies arranged on snowy ground during falling snow.
Safetyby StaffAugust 26, 2026

Winter Fleet Prep: Expert Tips to Keep Vehicles Running Smoothly

Cold weather can expose weak batteries, tires, fuel systems, and maintenance gaps fast. Use this winter fleet checklist to prepare trucks and drivers before temperatures drop.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technician wearing safety glasses inspects a front-mounted ADAS radar sensor on a blue commercial truck.
Safetyby Lauren FletcherJuly 15, 2026

8 ADAS Maintenance Tips for Small Business Fleets From Bendix

A dirty camera, bad alignment, or one loose connection could quietly knock your fleet’s ADAS offline. Here’s what Bendix says to check.

Read More →
 Drivers in a safety meeting at Wheelz Up
Safetyby Amy HercherJuly 14, 2026

Developing Budget-Friendly Driver Safety Programs

From driver training and safety meetings to one-on-one coaching and incentive programs, several small fleets share how they have developed a safety culture with their drivers using low- to no-cost resources.

Read More →
Business Fleet graphic promoting Operation Safe Driver Week, showing a police vehicle with flashing red and blue emergency lights and the dates July 12-18, 2026.
Safetyby Lauren FletcherJuly 2, 2026

A 20-Minute Safety Check for Small Fleets Before Operation Safe Driver Week

No safety department? No problem. Here's a practical checklist small fleet managers can use before Operation Safe Driver Week begins.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A commercial vehicle wheel and an inspector holding a clipboard appear behind the headline "Getting Tripped Up?" highlighting fleet compliance and roadside inspection challenges.
Safetyby Lauren FletcherJune 25, 2026

Why Small Fleets Keep Getting Tripped Up by ELD Compliance

Roadcheck revealed a hard truth: most ELD violations aren't intentional. They're caused by small mistakes that can cost fleets time, money, and trust.

Read More →
A hooded thief removes boxes from the back of a cargo van outside a small delivery business at night while fireworks fill the sky. Text overlay reads, "Before the Fireworks Start Review Your Cargo Security Plan."
Safetyby Lauren FletcherJune 22, 2026

Before the Fireworks Start Small Fleets Should Review Their Cargo Security Plans

Long holiday weekends create prime conditions for cargo theft. Here's what small fleet operators should review before the Fourth of July.

Read More →
Graphic featuring fireworks on a blue background with the headline "Stay Safe on the Road This July 4th" and the subheading "Tips From a Former Truck Driver." The image promotes road safety during holiday travel and accompanies advice on avoiding truck blind spots, passing safely, leaving adequate space around trucks, and planning travel during busy traffic periods.
Safetyby StaffJune 18, 2026

5 Safe Driving Tips for 4th of July

To ensure that this year’s fireworks remain in the sky and not on the roadway, follow these five easy steps to remain safe on the road this year – shared directly from a truck driver.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technician inspecting a vehicle engine during maintenance as fleets prepare for summer heat, focusing on battery health, cooling systems, and preventing downtime.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 18, 2026

The Two Biggest Summer Downtime Threats for Fleets

A conversation with a maintenance expert reveals the two most common summer maintenance pains and how to prevent them.

Read More →