Impact of Sleeper Berth Usage on Driver Fatigue

摘要

This report presents the results of a literature review and ten focus groups,211u001ewhich were conducted with long-haul drivers in eight cities, across seven states. 211u001eThe purpose of the session was to gain an understanding, from the long-haul 211u001edrivers' perspective, of the issues affecting the quality and quantity of sleep 211u001edrivers receive, as well as other issues that may affect drivers' level of 211u001efatigue. A summary of the issues discussed is presented as the issues fall under 211u001ethe following categories: (1) sleep/rest and duty cycle issues, (2) equipment 211u001eissues, (3) additional driver responsibilities, (4) facilities issues, (5) 211u001eregulatory and enforcement issues, (6) driving and traffic issues, (7) terminus 211u001eissues, (8) company dispatching issues, (9) training issues, (10) miscellaneous 211u001eissues. The results of the drivers' ratings of their sleep quality while at home 211u001eand on the road are also presented. The information gathered from the focus group 211u001eis summarized into a list of drivers' recommendations for improving the fatigue 211u001elevel among long-haul drivers. Concerns that were highlighted by drivers in most 211u001eor all of the focus groups included: (1) team driving, (2) equipment, (3) lack of 211u001erest area facilities, (4) private driver education, (5) loading and unloading 211u001ecargo, and (6) pressure to drive. Based on the information gathered, independent 211u001eand dependent variables are recommended for evaluation during on-road study.