A Road Safety-Based Selection Methodology for Professional Drivers: Behaviour and Accident Rate Analysis

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the factors affecting the behaviour of road users and the impact of these factors on professional drivers’ reliability and performance. A professional driver is considered as a driver involved in the processes of driving a vehicle as a matter of his/her business or the transportation of passengers or goods by bus or lorry, with higher liability in terms of road safety and requiring a higher degree of maintained attentiveness, constant concentration, and working capacity. This article highlights the process of selecting a professional driver by focusing on the driver’s individual and psychophysiological characteristics. An anonymous survey on professional drivers and a statistical analysis of the accidents caused by professional drivers was used to research the impact of fatigue on the behaviour of road users. The conducted statistical analysis demonstrates that the amount of professional driving experience most conducive to driving a vehicle safely was observed at between 29 and 33 years of experience. It was also found that a higher probability of causing an accident after rest days is related to the driver’s long period of engagement at work and inadequate rest. This study demonstrates that specific requirements should be applied to the methodologies for selecting professional drivers, the research on the reliability of which aims to develop a concept that enables opting for those drivers able to properly perform hired work, causing minimal losses due to road accidents.

Comparison of the Relative Importance of Factors Affecting the Conveyance of Bulk and Liquid Cargo

“…For example, in Lithuania, the training program for professional drivers has been updated, which will provide an opportunity to acquire a professional qualification that is mandatory throughout the European Union (EU) and to Taking into account the fact that cargo transportation is a complex process, during which the safe transportation of cargo must be ensured, therefore drivers transporting this type of cargo must be trained [7,42]. For example, in Lithuania, the training program for professional drivers has been updated, which will provide an opportunity to acquire a professional qualification that is mandatory throughout the European Union (EU) and to provide cargo and passenger transport services in any EU country [43,44]. The new procedure has been prepared taking into account the proposals submitted by businesses and associations uniting cargo and passenger transport companies, as well as associations of driving training institutions, the main focus of which is safe and economical driving.…”

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Iranian Truck Drivers and Its Association with Road Accidents

“…et al showed a significant association between driving more than 9.5 hours with the occurrence of road accidents due to continuous driving and fatigue [27]. Zaranka et al also showed that increasing working hours reduced the sleep and rest of truck drivers [28]. However, there is no conclusive evidence for an optimal rest period (other than strenuous physical work) or to support the claim that increasing the rest period offsets the negative effect of extended work shifts [24].…”

Evaluation of a Front Braking Light for Improving Safety in Road Transport

“…Additional studies also show that fatigue increases the risk of traffic accidents and reduces the ability to control a vehicle, which can lead to serious consequences [36]. Drivers affected by fatigue are more likely to make mistakes while driving, such as driving at inappropriate speeds, crossing lines, frequent braking, or poor reactions to traffic [37].…”