This report describes the development, administration and results of a questionnaire study of drivers of articulated vehicles. The study had three aims: 1) to collect information about driving behaviours and safety-related attitudes; 2) to compare the behaviours and attitudes of drivers who had been involved in injury crashes with those who had not been involved, to idenfity problem areas warranting review; and 3) to provide information about how to effectively communicate with target groups. Crash-involved drivers had poor coping behaviours in relation to driver fatigue but rated their ability in this area highly, had less often received training and were less likely to check their truck daily. Behaviours and attitudes related to speed judgment, behaviour of other road users, drug taking and alcohol were similar for the two groups. In regard to communication with drivers, the study recommended the use of intermediary organisations to disseminate information from VIC ROADS to drivers. Acknowledging the skills of drivers and appealing to their professionalism may also be a successful technique. Drivers wanted to be better at keeping calm when held up on the road and felt that car drivers should be trained not to cut in on them and that an endorsed licence should be required for towing a caravan.
Samenvatting