Sleepiness, Circadian Dysrhythmia, and Fatigue in Transportation System Accidents

Abstract

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to be here in San Diego to take part in the second annual meeting of the Association of Professional Sleep Societies. Although my small role in this meeting will soon be over, I intend to spend the next couple of days here in order to learn more about sleep and sleep-related problems. This is information badly needed. Although, as you will see in a few minutes, we have investigated many accidents in which sleep loss, sleep disorders, fatigue, and circadian factors are clearly implicated, I don't think we have the foggiest notion of the true prevalence of these factors in transportation system accidents. One of the most perplexing problems our accident investigators face is how to determine what role, if any, fatigue played in a specific accident. Unlike metal fatigue, human fatigue generally leaves no telltale signs, and we can only infer its presence from circumstantial evidence. We need your help to develop better investigative techniques, which in turn should lead to better ideas for preventive measures. And this would benefit everyone.