New mothers' perceptions of navigating fatigue and driving risks: a qualitative pilot study

Every year, sleep loss and associated fatigue contribute to a substantial number of road fatalities and injuries in Australia. Parents of young children often experience significant sleep loss, particularly in the first years of their child's life, and evidence suggests that they may therefore be at an elevated risk of a vehicle crash. Considerable effort has been dedicated to the development and implementation of fatigued driving education among certain driving populations, but education and resources targeted to new mothers are limited. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to explore new mothers' perceptions of sleep, fatigued driving, countermeasures used, and educational preferences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of new mothers (n = 12) aged 18 years or older, living in Australia, with a child under 12 months of age, and who were actively engaged in driving. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified five themes, including: Sleep patterns and challenges, The impact of external factors on sleep, Fatigue and driving, Countermeasures, and Knowledge and education. Results found that fatigued driving and adverse driving experiences (e.g., near misses, driving errors) were common. To combat fatigue while driving, new mothers engaged in some evidence-based countermeasures (e.g., napping, pulling over) however, participants also commonly reported using countermeasures that are not supported by evidence (e.g., listening to music, winding down window). Participants expressed a desire for education and resources addressing fatigue and driving, preferring face-to-face delivery options and practical, concise, and accessible information. These findings highlight the need for tailored education and resources for new mothers on how to mitigate risks associated with fatigued driving.