Road and transport workers: fatigue and trauma

Long hours behind the wheel, unpredictable routes and exposure to accidents make road and transport work uniquely demanding on mental health. If you drive for a living, your wellbeing deserves the same attention as your physical safety on the road.

What's happening

Transport and road workers often face long, irregular shifts, pressure to meet delivery deadlines, extended isolation from family and support networks, and a higher likelihood of witnessing or being involved in road accidents. Fatigue is a serious risk in this line of work - tired driving impairs reaction time and judgement in the same way as impaired driving. On top of physical fatigue, exposure to traumatic incidents, whether directly involved or witnessed, can build up over a career and affect mental health if left unaddressed. Isolation on long routes can also make it harder to notice when stress is building or to reach out for support.

Signs to notice

• Persistent tiredness, microsleeps, or struggling to stay alert while driving.
• Increasing irritability, anxiety or low mood, especially after difficult incidents.
• Avoiding certain routes or situations that remind you of a past incident.
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or intrusive memories after witnessing an accident.
• Increasing use of alcohol, energy drinks or other substances to cope with fatigue or stress.
• Feeling disconnected from family or unable to relax during time off.

What helps

• Prioritise sleep before shifts and take mandated rest breaks seriously, even under time pressure.
• If you witness or are involved in a road incident, allow yourself time to process it rather than immediately pushing on - talk to someone about what happened.
• Stay connected with family and colleagues through calls or messages during long routes.
• Build small routines into long trips - regular meal stops, stretching, and brief breaks to reset attention.
• Report fatigue or unsafe scheduling to your employer; this is a safety issue, not a weakness.
• Use your EAP confidentially, especially after a difficult or frightening incident on the road.
• Limit alcohol or other substances as a coping strategy, and reach out for support instead.

When to reach out for help

If you've witnessed or been involved in a serious accident, are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares or avoidance, feel unsafe to drive due to fatigue or distress, or notice yourself relying on substances to cope, please reach out for support. A professional can assess for trauma-related difficulties and help you recover.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors offer confidential support for transport and road workers, including after traumatic incidents. You can also contact the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.