This paper will introduce the nature of professional drivers´ stress and its possible causes in the theoretical frame, and so is conducted as a selective review of literature that concerned the topic. The work of professional drivers is considered as extremely stressful and this paper deals with factors that lead to fatigue and thus to high probability of traffic accident. The author takes into the account that the context of driving for various groups of professional drivers – taxi drivers, bus and lorry drivers is very different, and also we need to consider that the work of truck drivers is different whether they work for a transport company and they drive generally long distances, or in another sector, where they drive much shorter distances. The paper also traces possible changes in driver education in Czech Republic according directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. This directive contains the requirements for driver qualification, standards of periodic training for improving road safety and the safety of the driver. The paper also describes intended research plan of the author, concerning subjective evaluation of modern information systems by professional drivers in the terms of stress, comfort and satisfaction. The aim of this paper is to bring an extensive review of knowledge on stress, fatigue and work conditions regarding to road safety in the target group of professional drivers. This review should serve as a theoretical background for further research and practical recommendations and countermeasures for improving road safety (education and training of drivers, fatigue management, application of ITS, campaigns etc.). (Author/publisher)
Abstract