This report examines the issues of fatigue and working time and safety issues in road transport industry. The common causes of fatigue and driver symptoms of fatigue are listed. Fatigue causes a loss of alertness, resulting in poor judgement, slower reaction time and decreased skill levels in a driver. Studies investigating the role of fatigue in accidents are reviewed. The relationships between fatigue, accidents and time of day are considered. The implications of fatigue for long-haul, local and short-haul drivers are discussed. Measures to combat fatigue and sleepiness in the transportation industry are examined. These include legislation on working time and the use of digital tachographs. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport) Convention, 1979 is outlined. Examples of current practices or activities to address fatigue are described.
Abstract