Driving fatigue among long distance heavy vehicle drivers in Kelang valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Long distance driving could result in driver's fatigue. Driving fatigue has been identified as one of the main reasons behind fatal crashes and injuries. This study aims to identify the body parts that experience fatigue and investigate factors that contribute towards driving fatigue among long distance heavy vehicle drivers. Two methods were used to collect information; first, an oral face-to-face interview and second, a self-administered survey questionnaire. A set of questionnaire was developed, pilot tested for its reliability and validity; and distributed to the respondent. Respondents were 60 heavy vehicle drivers from Klang Valley. Majority of the heavy vehicle drivers agreed that long driving hours is the main factor that causes fatigue. Both oral interviews and survey findings showed that all respondents experienced fatigue while driving. Majority of them start to experience fatigue after two hours of driving. In addition, the result of this study shows the drivers experienced severe discomfort on shoulder and low back. Majority of them highlighted that lack of sleep before starting the journey is the main fatigue cause. In conclusion, the heavy vehicle drivers should have sufficient sleep before long distance driving and take a break after two hours of driving.