This paper describes a study aimed at obtaining a better knowledge of possible relationships between the general organization of the trucking industry, the careers of the drivers, their work situation, their work practices and their risk of involvement in road traffic accidents. Prior knowledge of the professional characteristics of truck drivers was incomplete. It was therefore decided, in 1981, to survey the professional characteristics and the working conditions of truck drivers in France. The first survey or "Reference Survey" aimed at identifying professional truck drivers among holders of a driving licence for heavy vehicles, at enumerating them and at collecting data concerning their main characteristics. Four percent of the population of heavy vehicle licence holders was therefore surveyed during the medical check-up which such drivers have to undergo every 5 years. A sample frame was then designed which was used for the second survey, aimed at a detailed description of professional situations, of tasks performed and of time-related working conditions. Using these representative samples of all drivers operating in freight transportation, we have been able to describe the sociological characteristics of truck drivers, and their work conditions. Our study showed that the level of risk of accident was linked to such characteristics as the duration and rhythm of the workload, and the type of career pursued by the driver.
Abstract