Against the background of demographic developments, the increase in goods traffic and a shortage of young successor truck drivers, an increase in the number of older truck drivers can be expected. Research to date on older truck drivers is as a rule limited to the car driver. Truck drivers though have fewer compensation possibilities than ordinary drivers and are exposed to more severe tension. For this reason the issue of the endangerment of traffic safety by older truck drivers was analysed on the basis of special evaluations of available accident data as well as responses to surveys and expert opinions. The result shows a rise in the accident risk posed by truck drivers as from the age of 65. As is the case in respect of older car drivers, this group of drivers finds it especially difficult to master complex traffic situations. In addition, driving in conditions of darkness leads to errors of judgement as far as distance and speed are concerned. In combination with professional pressures these results demonstrate the need for action in the area of traffic safety, but also in terms of the health protection of truck drivers. Apart from training measures for truck drivers the proposed measures contain especially offers of training employers, an improved job environment at the workplace, and technical measures as far as trucks are concerned. (Author/publisher)
Abstract