In a pioneering move, Dynes Transport has implemented driver fatigue cameras across its entire fleet. Dynes also has a dedicated staff resource specifically for managing fatigue, so that we are proactively managing fatigue events. This puts Dynes at the forefront of the industry when it comes to managing driver fatigue. People often think driver fatigue means falling asleep at the wheel. Falling asleep however is an extreme form of fatigue.
Why is fatigue a problem for drivers?
Fatigue is tiredness, weariness or exhaustion. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency states that in 2020, fatigue was a factor in 25 deaths and 113 serious injuries on NZ roads. Naturally, Dynes Transport and every transport business takes driver fatigue seriously. As a business, Dynes is actively looking to increase road safety for all New Zealanders.
As a driver, fatigue can cause several problems including:
Reducing attentiveness and alertness to dangers
Slowing your reaction time and decision-making ability
Poor lane tracking and maintenance of speed
Decreasing your tolerance for other road users
Being tired can also cause you to drift in and out of sleep without being aware of it. Sleep experts call this microsleep. If this happens while driving, it can, unfortunately, cost someone their life. Driver facing cameras can help identify the early signs of driver fatigue before instances of microsleep occur.
Dynes has implemented driver-facing cameras to track fatigue
By implementing driver-facing cameras that track driver fatigue, we hope to help reduce the risks of driver fatigue on the road. These specialist cameras are mounted on the dash, giving a full view of the drivers face and head, but don’t impede their view of the road. We also have a dedicated resource managing incidents of driver fatigue, should any notifications come through, he’s on the ground reacting to these events.
Dynes Transport Tapanui
Driver facing cameras detect the early signs of driver fatigue
If the driver yawns, for example, the system detects this and issues an early warning. Often, drivers yawn without even being aware that fatigue is setting in. If they receive repeated warnings, they are more likely to take a break before they make a critical mistake. Our dedicated staff member is also alerted of any warnings and can step in and contact the driver to help resolve the issue. They might suggest the driver takes an earlier than expected break and have a short nap to recharge.
No matter what truck, Dynes drivers can be alerted to their fatigue
With cameras across the whole fleet, any signs of fatigue shouldn’t go unnoticed, for the team and for the driver. With the driver, the camera technology has a strong focus on the eye and irises of the eyes. Monitoring eyelid droop and if the driver’s eyes close for a longer period than a blink. For example, if the driver’s eyes close, or their head drops, the system loses its eye lock and then issues a critical and loud verbal alert.
Dynes uses the latest in technology to help keep all road users safe
Dynes are at the forefront of managing driver fatigue, having implemented this leading-edge technology across our entire fleet in what we believe to be a first in the industry. Cameras that detect driver fatigue help ensure the safety of all road users and not just our drivers. Through implementing this technology across our extensive truck network and through having a dedicated staff member for monitoring instances of driver fatigue, Dynes hopes to actively reduce the risk of driver fatigue. Health and safety is an integral part of our work culture and part of everything we do here at Dynes.
