This study explored the potential uses of feedback systems in the trucking industry as a means of improving safety. Since truck drivers spend a majority of their working time alone and do not interact with peers, it may be possible to use data gathered by in-vehicle technology to provide feedback to drivers about their driving behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine truck drivers' attitudes toward using in-vehicle technology to provide feedback for enhancing driving safety and to understand the best ways of providing feedback to truck drivers. Nine focus groups were conducted, with a total of 66 participants, to collect qualitative data on attitudes toward technology and feedback. The focus group results were used to develop a questionnaire. Survey data were then collected from 198 long-haul truck drivers to provide quantitative information. Truck drivers reported that they would like to receive more feedback and that positive feedback was preferred over negative feedback. Feedback from truck drivers' supervisors or managers was more desired than feedback from technology. However, most drivers were willing to accept feedback by technology if the program was designed properly. The truck drivers expressed no strong preference regarding the best form of feedback by technology on driving performance (i.e., modality, frequency and timing). Therefore it is important for a program which uses technology for providing feedback to be adaptable to different drivers' preferences. (A) "Reprinted with permission from Elsevier".
Abstract