Most drivers have experienced vibrations while driving, yet few know about the immediate and long-term consequences of it. Whole body vibration affect all drivers, but truck drivers are more commonly affected by this as vibrations radiating through the steering wheel, floor and seat affect drivers that spend longer hours behind the wheel.
Some of the effects of whole-body vibrations can be felt immediately while others develop over time. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, explains: “Most drivers know the experience of feeling discomfort after an extended period driving. Yet, a greater concern is the fatigue it causes and, consequently, creation of fatigued driving.
“Initially, drivers may start to feel discomfort within 30 minutes. After an extended period, fatigue will start to set in as greater cognitive and physical demands are placed on one’s body due to the vibrations. There are several negative consequences when drivers are fatigued including increased distraction, shorter tempers, reduced co-ordination and inattentiveness.
Whole body vibration should receive more attention. “According to the international body, the AAA Foundation, 17.6% of fatal crashes or over 300 000 accidents are due to drowsy driving. These are international statistics and one can assume the statistics are much higher in South Africa,” says Herbert.
There are certain ways in which one can counter the effect of whole-body vibration:
- Vehicle technology: developments in vehicle suspension systems and the lumbar support of seats can play a significant role. This is something one should consider when purchasing new vehicles.
- Seating position: drivers need to sit in a neutral position with their backs in full contact with the backrest to fully benefit from the lumbar support of vehicles, particularly in newer vehicles.
- Take breaks: some countries only require breaks after an eight-hour driving period. This is not enough to counter fatigue that naturally occurs with driving, without even counting the fatigue from whole body vibration. Instead, drivers should make an effort to take a 15-minute break every two hours to reduce the fatigue from both these scenarios.
- Exit caution: particularly for truck drivers, whole body vibration can increase the chance of drivers falling, often causing serious injury, as they exit their cabs. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses not related to transportation incidents, 30% were attributed to falls, slips and trips.
- Vehicle maintenance: underinflated and misaligned tyres cause uneven wear which amplifies whole body vibrations.
Reducing the effect of whole-body vibration reduces the risk your fleet faces on the road while also reducing long-term health risks. Fortunately, reducing these vibrations are simple steps that organisations can take, and which are often already a priority in ensuring road safety.
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