Truck Driver and Transport Manager Interview Schedules

Truck drivers are at an increased risk of being involved in a fatigue-related crash or incident. In Australia, approximately one third of fatal truck crashes involves fatigue. Various occupational or workplace factors are known to increase truck crash risk, including long working hours, irregular schedules, loading and unloading delays and a lack of access to suitable rest areas. Studies examining the influence of personal behavioural determinants on truck drivers’ exposure to risk related fatigue and non-compliant behaviour, however, are lacking in Australia. To determine how personal factors influence Australian truck drivers’ and transport managers’ intention to comply with fatigue regulation, and how risks relating to fatigue are managed as truck drivers move between different locations, we applied Ajzen’s (2005) Theory of Planned Behaviour. When truck drivers move between different locations with differing compliance rules, the findings indicate that they prioritise personal or family relationships over compliance with fatigue laws. These priorities can result in pre-shift fatigue and additional pressure upon truck drivers to reduce time on the road, thereby influencing fatigue risk and non-compliant behaviour. It is argued that as truck drivers move between different locations, fatigue risk and non-compliant behaviour is shaped by an understanding of fatigue management laws and how these are viewed, and whether such laws are seen as being compatible with truck driving tasks and the reality of fatigue-related driving. Some organisational practices regarding fatigue-related risk, however, are perceived as being favourable in terms of the ability of a truck driver to manage fatigue.