Accident Prevention

The majority of accidents that occur when transporting livestock are caused by driver fatigue. They are typically single vehicle accidents that occur at night. One of they key measures to avoid fatigue is to ensure you get enough sleep at night. Health professionals recommend at least 7.5 hours of sleep at night. If you feel you are unable to get enough sleep, you could work with your employer to adapt your schedule. Also, the only cure for fatigue is rest and sleep, so it is especially important that you take the time to do so. Some things that can be done to promote a good, restful sleep are blackout curtains, a cool room, sleep mask and ear plugs, and turning off your phone. Another way to feel more rested is to take between 15 and 45 minute naps when fatigue sets in. Although this does not substitute a restful sleep, it can be used to supplement a shorter night’s sleep. A regular sleep schedule, including consistent bed time and wake up time, also helps to promote a restful sleep. Healthy living activities such as a balanced diet, drinking water, and exercise contribute to a restful sleep at night. If you are transporting and feel fatigued, the best and safest course of action is to pull over. It is also important to take breaks roughly every 2 hours to prevent fatigue and remain alert for driving. You can also use these breaks to check on the animals and ensure they are in good condition. Another tip to avoid fatigue is to keep the transport cabin at a comfortable, cool temperature. A warm temperature can make you drowsy. Fresh air and music are also useful for maintaining alertness. This is a very brief list of ways to prevent fatigue when transporting livestock and does not include all steps that can be taken. To learn further steps and how to prevent accidents, Agri Solutions offers in-person and online livestock transport training. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Check out our Transporting Livestock Training online.