The problem of driver fatigue is much bigger than a lot of people understand. Recent research has presented that fatigue is greatly under reported as a causal factor in crash statistics. The crash report system that is currently utilised in New Zealand has served us well. New Zealand has had a nation wide systematic process for data collection and analysis for a number of years. However, this process has been relatively unchanged and it seems that the time is right to review and update the system based on recent research. This particular research has demonstrated that additional data is now required for the identification of issues such as driver fatigue, among others. These issues present difficulties in data collection utilising the current forms. Improvements to the accurate reporting and analysis of driver fatigue will enhance awareness of the issues and assist in the recognition that a national strategy focused on fatigue is required with actions implemented through the application of the 3 Es Engineering, Education and Enforcement. More accurate coding of crashes will lead to better funding targeting. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215377.
Abstract