An Analysis of the Driving Behaviours of Professional Truck Drivers: A Pilot Study in Turkey

Year 2022, Volume: 7 Issue: 2, 357 - 365, 16.01.2023

Jan Benus , Merve Seher Cebeci

https://doi.org/10.26650/JTL.2022.1025881

Abstract

Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 consists of various rules regarding the working hours of drivers, breaks and resting periods for truck and bus drivers to enhance working conditions and road safety. As of 15 July 2020, several changes have been made that might endanger road safety. The objective of this study is twofold. First of all, the study aims to explore various physical and phycological factors where the impact of these regulations is assessed. Secondly, it aims to observe the reasons behind truck drivers’ fatigue behaviour. To achieve these objectives, a literature review is conducted to investigate the important features impacting truck drivers while driving. The data gathering process is carried out by using GPS data, digital tachograph data and drivers’ video records monitored while they are driving. Lastly, the data is evaluated in cooperation with our partners from the University of Zilina. The pilot study is conducted in Turkey, Istanbul. Firstly, the results show that ten hours of driving does not cause any serious signs of fatigue behaviour in truck drivers. Secondly, the majority of the errors are in fact due to distractions, such as phone calls or SMS messages, rather than the result of exhaustion. Future studies will focus on increasing the number of drivers and working days to explore the behaviours of drivers thoroughly.

Keywords

Driving Regulations, Road Transport, Traffic Safety, Driver Awareness

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