An Integrative Approach to Study Drivers Perceived Stress on Aberrant Driving Behaviour: The Mediation Role of Driver Fatigue

Abstract

Robust scientific evidence exists for occupational group of heavy vehicle drivers in oil and gas transport who are infected with acute fatigue. Numerous recent studies relate driver’s perceived stress and fatigue with dangerous driving behaviours during performance of delivery duties. This study investigates the association between driver’s perceived stress on aberrant driving behaviour and determines fatigue to be the mediation factor. Sample size of 378 male drivers from 10 oil and gas transport companies was selected that operate in peninsular west and east Malaysia, who answered adapted version of Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) in the conducted survey. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied that proved aberrant driving behaviours of heavy vehicle drivers can be predicted through driver’s perceived stress and fatigue. Fatigue is a mechanism that mediates the association amongst driver perceived stress and aberrant driving behaviours. In conclusion, the parameter of fatigue mediates between the perceived stress which is an appropriate prediction tool and consequent aberrant driving behaviour of heavy vehicle drivers. This study suggests abatement in individual stress and recommends fatigue management to alter risky and aberrant driving behaviours in order to encourage and give impetus to safe driving culture in oil and gas transportation sector in Malaysia.