This study analysed questionnaire data from 567 professional drivers with 5 work descriptions concerning the frequency of prolonged driving, sleepiness-related problems while driving, and personal health status. 31% of drivers regularly drove more than 10 hours, 19% reported dozing off at least twice while driving, and 8% reported a near-miss situation due to dozing off during the past 3 months. Sleepiness-related problems while driving appeared in all driver groups and were strongly related to prolonged driving, sleep deficit, and drivers' health status. The effects of the latter factors were interactive and cumulative: frequent sleepiness-related problems occurred in more than 50% of the drivers with prolonged driving, sleep deficit, and lowered self-perceived health. Results provide support for regulating driving hours and increase concern about the link between professional driver health status and drowiness while driving. (A)
Samenvatting