The Impact of 12‑h Night Shifts on Nurses’ Driving Safety
Summary
This study compared driving performance in 44 day-shift nurses and 49 night-shift nurses, using a simulator to measure safety after three consecutive 12-hour shifts and again after 72 hours off work. Results showed that nurses finishing night shifts had significantly more lane deviation during the simulated drive home compared to those finishing day shifts. This lane deviation is a recognized marker of higher collision risk, suggesting that fatigue from consecutive night shifts impairs post-shift driving safety.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
The findings show that working multiple 12-hour night shifts in a row can make the drive home more dangerous. Even experienced professionals showed clear signs of reduced driving stability after night duty. For night-shift workers, this means the commute after long overnight shifts may be one of the riskiest times. Recognizing this risk is the first step toward protecting yourself, whether that means delaying the drive until you feel more alert, arranging safe transportation, or planning breaks before heading home.
Notes
Driving‑safety angle for hospital policies.