Citation

Knipling R, Boyle LN, Hickman J, York J, Daecher C, Olsen E, Prailey T. CTBSSP Synth. Ser. 2004; (4): 97p.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This synthesis will be of use to state agencies, commercial truck and bus carriers, and others interested in improving commercial vehicle safety. It explores individual differences among commercial drivers, particularly as these differences relate to the "high-risk" commercial driver. The synthesis identifies factors relating to commercial vehicle crash risk and assesses ways that the high-risk driver can be targeted by various safety programs and practices, at both fleet- and industry-wide levels. It summarizes available information on individual differences in commercial driver safety performance and alertness, examines various metrics and tests that might be used to hire safer drivers and avoid hiring high-risk drivers, and identifies safety management techniques that are currently used by commercial vehicle carriers to target problem drivers and their specific risky behaviors. Information for this synthesis was obtained through surveys of current commercial motor vehicle safety managers and other experts in commercial motor vehicle safety; a focus group conducted with staff members of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and a review of relevant literature.