Assessing truck driver fatigue perceptions: Insights from a South African road freight context

Abstract

Background

Truck driver fatigue, influenced by health and operational conditions, compromises safety performance. Passenger and freight transport share the road, and any lapse in performance is detrimental. Ensuring that truck drivers are healthy to perform their work responsibilities is critical. This study evaluates driver perceptions of health, safety, and fatigue by developing and validating ten fatigue-related constructs, including company support, driver wellness, work pressures, driver engagement, health awareness, and home environment.

Objective

The study assessed fatigue-related perceptions among truck drivers in a South African road freight carrier to identify areas for improvement.

Method

A survey of 1788 professional truck drivers was conducted to develop and evaluate these constructs using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Cohen’s d was applied to compare business units within the carrier, highlighting significant differences and identifying best practices.

Results

Drivers reported high ratings in company support (x̄ = 3,806), safety culture (x̄ = 3,655), driver engagement (x̄ = 4,221), and a supportive home environment (x̄ = 3,554). However, a gap exists between perceived support and health awareness (x̄ = 2,681) and status (x̄ = 2,620), indicating a need for targeted health interventions to enhance fatigue-related knowledge and behaviour. Significant differences between business units (BUs) suggest the need for tailored interventions, learning from top performers (such as BU3 in West Africa and BU5 in hazardous goods transport), and addressing issues in underperforming units, such as BU1 in time-sensitive transport.

Conclusion

Effective fatigue management requires collaboration with truck drivers and external organisations (customers, truck stops, government) to tackle health and awareness challenges, tailoring solutions to the specific needs of each operation.

Contribution

Insights into driver perceptions can guide policy decisions to improve health and safety by enhancing knowledge, healthy behavioural choices, and access to supportive resources.