This report reviews current research into the impacts of fatigue and night driving on heavy vehicle drivers. One objective of the review was to ensure that a research project by the NRTC in this area was not being undertaken elsewhere. Research was reviewed from a wide variety of world-wide sources. The first half of the report reviews current research being undertaken in this and closely related areas. The second half of the report concentrates on heavy vehicle research, including over-the-road and simulator studies as well as comparative analyses of day and night crash statistics and driver surveys. Research into factors other than the time of day that also impact on heavy vehicle driver fatigue are briefly reviewed. The report's authors conclude that there is ample evidence to show that fatigue levels are higher during the early morning hours and the risk of a fatigue related crash is higher. Factors other than the time of day can significantly impact drivers' fatigue levels during the night and must be considered. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting