This report describes a study involving 650 international truck drivers from six EEC countries interviewed at six major border crossings between the Netherlands and surrounding countries. The aim of the survey, held in 1984/5, was to describe the actual working, driving and resting hours of international drivers. The actual hours appear acceptable but taking into account long working periods and short rest periods it was found that some drivers severely violate EEC Regulation 543/69. On the topic of health the data shows that problems with the shoulders, neck and back are the most serious followed by problems related to stress. Falling asleep behind the wheel of a moving truck is a particular problem: sixty per cent admitted the experience of almost falling asleep and seven per cent to being involved in an accident due to falling asleep. The shortcomings of EEC regulation 543/69 are outlined and suggestions made for a better Regulation particularly with regard to rest periods at home.
Abstract