Sleepiness is serious: why fatigue and road risk must be part of every conversation
At Rail Wellbeing Live 2026, Caitriona O’Brien brought a clear and powerful message to the stage: fatigue is not just about feeling tired. It is a serious safety risk that affects decision making, reaction times and ultimately lives.
In this practical and personal session, Caitriona, Safety Improvement Specialist at Network Rail, explored how fatigue and road risk are closely linked and what we can all do to stay safer.
You can watch the full session above.
A personal reason to care
For Caitriona, this topic is more than professional. It is deeply personal.
“My family has experienced road traffic fatalities… it makes road risk something that is very close to home.”
That lived experience shapes her passion for helping others learn these lessons without having to face tragedy themselves. It also sets the tone for a session that balances science with real life impact.
The hidden risk of fatigue
Fatigue is often underestimated, yet the numbers tell a different story.
Across the rail industry, fatigue or lack of alertness plays a role in a significant number of incidents. The same pattern appears on the roads.
“Between 20 to 25% of road traffic collisions have fatigue or lack of alertness as a cause or factor.”
Caitriona explains the difference between fatigue and reduced alertness, helping to break down something that can feel vague or personal.
Fatigue is a physical and mental state. Reduced alertness is something we all experience throughout the day as our energy rises and falls. Both matter when it comes to safety.
When tired becomes dangerous
One of the most powerful parts of the session is how clearly the risks are explained.
“A driver who has been awake for 17 plus hours has twice the normal risk of collision.”
“At 18 hours of wakefulness… our brain performance is equivalent to… the drink drive limit.”
“At the point of being awake for 24 hours, we are seven times more likely to have a road traffic collision.”
These comparisons bring the issue into focus. Fatigue is not just feeling a bit tired after a shift. It can impair performance in ways similar to alcohol.
Microsleeps: the danger you do not see coming
The session also highlights one of the most serious risks on the road: microsleeps.
“Microsleeps don’t typically give us any warning.”
“A two second microsleep means that we are travelling blind for 50 metres.”
These brief moments of sleep can happen without realising. At motorway speeds, the consequences can be devastating.
Why sleep really matters
In a world that feels always on, sleep is often pushed aside. Caitriona challenges that thinking.
“Sleep is probably more important than ever.”
She explains how sleep supports everything from hormone balance to brain health. Deep sleep even allows the brain to reset and clear out what it has processed during the day.
But good sleep is not just about time. It is about quality and environment.
Simple changes can make a difference:
- Keep your sleep space cool, dark and quiet
- Avoid screens before bed
- Invest in a comfortable bed
- Use consistent routines where possible
The reality of shift work
For many in rail, night shifts and on call work are part of the job. Caitriona acknowledges the challenge while sharing practical advice.
From splitting sleep into shorter cycles to managing light exposure on the way home, the session offers realistic steps rather than ideal scenarios.
One key tip is to prioritise your first block of sleep after a night shift, as this is when the body gets the deepest rest.
Speak up if you are too tired
One of the strongest messages in the session is about culture and confidence.
“It is okay to say, ‘I am too tired to drive.’”
Fatigue is not always visible. That is why personal judgement and open conversations matter.
Planning ahead is also essential. Before any journey, think about:
- How alert you feel now
- How long you have been awake
- Whether your alertness might drop during the journey
Small actions, big impact
The session ends with practical guidance that anyone can use straight away.
Take breaks. Plan journeys. Share driving where possible. If needed, stop and take a short nap before continuing.
Even a quick rest can make a difference when used at the right time.
Continuing the conversation
Throughout Rail Wellbeing Live, one theme comes up again and again: talk about it.
“The ability to talk… about what’s going on with you is so important.”
Whether it is with colleagues, managers or family, these conversations help create safer environments for everyone.
Watch the full session
Watch the full recording above to hear the insights, examples and advice in Caitriona’s own words. Sleepiness is serious and understanding it could save your life or someone else’s.