Abstract
BackgroundLong-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) suffer from long work hours often resulting in fatigue. Although several studies have reported that fatigue can contribute to crashes, no study has identified the location and patterns of fatigue-related crashes and solicited truck driver feedback on potential mitigation strategies. The purpose of this study is 1) to map the location of fatigue-related crashes and 2) examine the perceptions of truck drivers concerning fatigue-related crashes.MethodsUsing databases from the Saskatchewan Government Insurance, information on LHTD demographics, crashes and their causes, as well as crash location was analyzed. All fatigue-related crashes were then documented and mapped. Additionally, we interviewed 67 LHTDs (mean age = 53.0 ± 12.9; range 23–89; 95% were men) asking questions about fatigue, access to truck stops/rest areas, and provided recommendations for improvement. All interviews were subsequently analyzed using thematic analyses.ResultsOn average, there were 20 fatigue-related crashes per year over the 10-year period. Fatigue-related crashes were common across Saskatchewan, however, there was a concentration of crashes along major roadways between major cities. There was a significant association between crashes with age and experience. Despite many LHTDs being fatigued, there was a lack of truck stops/rest areas along highway routes. LHTDs suggested having access to truck stops/rest areas 250–400 km apart with running water and washrooms available.ConclusionsAdditional truck stops and rest areas are needed in Saskatchewan to ensure LHTDs have more opportunities for rest to reduce fatigue in general, as well as to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
Highlights
Long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) suffer from long work hours often resulting in fatigue
Over the 10-year period, there were a total of 201 crashes that were caused by extreme fatigue and/or falling asleep while driving (0.6% of all crashes): 79 crashes involved extreme fatigue and 154 crashes were from falling asleep
The study results support the existence of an association between fatigue-related crashes and a lack of truck stops and rest areas
Summary
Long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) suffer from long work hours often resulting in fatigue. Several studies have reported that fatigue can contribute to crashes, no study has identified the location and patterns of fatigue-related crashes and solicited truck driver feedback on potential mitigation strategies. The purpose of this study is 1) to map the location of fatigue-related crashes and 2) examine the perceptions of truck drivers concerning fatigue-related crashes. Long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) are exposed to long working hours and inconsistent sleep schedules, which can cause disruptions in both length and quality of sleep, resulting in over half of drivers reporting sleepiness while driving [1]. Studies found that 6.9–7.5% of truck driver crashes are related to fatigue [1, 5].
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