ROADPOL, the European Roads Policing Network, has joined forces with the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) to highlight the growing danger of driver fatigue, supporting the Driver Fatigue Action Day held on 21 June, the longest day of the year.

ROADPOL’s participation gave a strong enforcement perspective to the initiative, which brought together drivers, unions and authorities at a large parking area on the Belgium–Germany border near Raeren. The event focused on raising awareness of fatigue in the road transport sector and its impact on safety across Europe.

During the action, informational materials were distributed directly to drivers on site, encouraging safer practices and greater awareness of fatigue risks. A large open discussion followed, involving professional drivers, ETF representatives, Belgian and Luxembourg transport unions, and ROADPOL delegates.

ETF used the opportunity to present concerning findings on the scale of the problem. According to its data, over 60% of truck drivers and 66% of bus and coach drivers admit to regularly driving while fatigued. These figures, described by participants as alarming, framed the discussion and underlined the urgency of action.

On site ROADPOL was represented by General Secretary Damyan Vladinov and tachograph and commercial traffic control expert Frédéric Martin, who contributed expertise on enforcement, compliance, and real-world challenges in monitoring drivers’ working and rest times. Their presence highlighted the critical role of law enforcement in tackling fatigue-related risks and ensuring that EU rules are properly applied.

The Raeren event was part of a broader series of coordinated actions across Europe organised by ETF and its affiliates to mark Driver Fatigue Action Day. Hosted by Belgian unions ACV-Transcom and BTB ABVV, with support from Luxembourg’s OGBL, the initiative also included informal exchanges with drivers over breakfast, creating a space for direct dialogue about working conditions and pressures on the road.

ETF has warned that driver fatigue is not just a personal health issue, but a systemic problem rooted in long working hours, irregular schedules, insufficient rest periods, and economic pressure in the transport sector. The organisation argues that without structural changes and stronger enforcement, fatigue will continue to pose a serious risk to road safety.