Fatigue, Sleepiness Major Safety Risks In Ridesharing Industry

Fatigue and sleepiness are inherent safety risks for ridesharing drivers and their passengers, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine declares in a recent position statement. Contributing factors include drivers’ work schedules, which often take place in the evening or during off time from a primary job. Those nontraditional times are when sleepiness can peak, AASM states. “Such a schedule may lead to driving after extended periods of wakefulness or during nights, both of which are factors that increase the risk of drowsy driving accidents,” the organization’s board of directors wrote in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.