Determinants of the occupational environment and heavy vehicle crashes in Western Australia: A case–control study. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meuleners, Lynn; Fraser, Michelle L.; Govorko, Matthew H.; Stevenson, Mark R.
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 99:Part B (2017)
• Page Start: 452
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Heavy vehicles -- Crash risk -- Fatigue -- Work environment; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2015.11.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Highlights: Conflicting results regarding work environment-related factors and heavy vehicle crashes. Empty loads, rigid vehicles, night driving and time on task associated with heavy vehicle crashes. Training, minimising night driving and enforcing regular breaks could improve heavy vehicle safety. Abstract: Objective: To determine the association between a heavy vehicle driver's work environment, including fatigue-related characteristics, and the risk of a crash in Western Australia. Methods: This case–control study included 100 long-haul heavy vehicle drivers who were involved in a police-reported crash in WA and 100 long-haul heavy vehicle drivers recruited from WA truck stops, who were not involved in a crash in the previous 12 months. Driver demographics and driving details, work environment, vehicle and sleep-related characteristics were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Drivers were tested for obstructive sleep apnoea using an overnight diagnostic device. Conditional multiple logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine work environment-related factors associated with crash involvement. Results: After accounting for potential confounders, driving a heavy vehicle with an empty load was associated with almost a three-fold increased crash risk compared to carrying general freight (adjusted OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.17–7.34). Driving a rigid heavy vehicle was associated with a four-fold increased risk of crashing compared to articulated heavy vehicles (adjusted OR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.13–14.68). The risk of crashing was almost five times higher when driving more than 50% of the trip between midnight and 5.59 am (adjusted OR: 4.86, 95% CI: 1.47–16.07). Furthermore, the risk of crashing significantly increased if the time since the last break on the index trip was greater than 2 h (adjusted OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.14–4.17). Drivers with more than 10 years driving experience were 52% less likely to be involved in a crash (adjusted OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23–0.99). Conclusion: The results provide support for an association between a driver's work environment, fatigue-related factors, and the risk of heavy vehicle crash involvement. Greater attention needs to be paid to the creation of a safer work environment for long distance heavy vehicle drivers.