The report presents the results of an analysis of the relationship between commercial motor vehicle accidents and the hours of service and rest of drivers regulated by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety. A total of 25,666 single and two-man truck accidents and 483 bus accidents, occurring during 1976, were analyzed with data from the Motor Carrier Accident Report Forms (50T and 50B) and a special supplementary driver service and rest report form. A limited volume of driver exposure data was available for comparative analysis. The topics covered include the hours of service regulations; driving, duty fatigue and accidents occurring between periods of extended rest; rest and the use of a sleeper berth; driver age, experience and physical condition; cyclic patterns; and, carrier and vehicle characteristics.
Abstract