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I was deeply distressed by Mrs M. Parker's letter (Aug 5) in which she attacked not only Dr Hunt's review of an American study on driver fatigue, but Dr Hunt himself.
It is not for me to comment on what does or does not go on in the haulage industry. On the other hand, I know Dr Hunt, personally, and I know that Mrs Parker's criticisms are unfounded and grossly unfair.
In his review of the American study, all Dr Hunt has said is that it has made claims not justified by the research undertaken. At first, he was upset to find himself so critical of the American work and he put his review on one side for nearly a year, so that he could return to it with new objectivity. He cross-checked his findings with other scientists and modulated his criticism as far as his integrity would allow. In the end, it still boiled down to the simple fact that the American study proved just nothing.
Mrs Parker seems to think that Dr Hunt said fatigue was not important in relation to driving. He certainly would never say that. But we are confusing issues. Mrs Parker's complaint seems, to me, to relate to lack of sleep and food — which are highly relevant to fatigue and, therefore, road safety.
But the fact is that, within the limits of the present British law, driving fatigue cannot be shown to affect road safety. The American study said it.did and, in the interests of truth, Dr Hunt has shown the fallacy of the arguments on which this conclusion was based; although he welcomed the research undertaken.
Dr Hunt is a dedicated servant to humanity. As a doctor, he will sit through the night with a patient who needs his support. He knows no limits to hours of work; while he can give service, he gives it, with little or no thought of financial reward.
As a research scientist, his expert knowledge is called upon by the EEC, the British Government, Army, Police and industry (not only in Britain).
In his work, he has most certainly gone on the road, monitoring drivers and discussing their work with them: to him, that is a fundamental requirement.
So, let us not confuse the issues. Dr Hunt and Mrs Parker are talking about totally different aspects of fatigue: one relating to worktime, the other in respect of the way non-working time is used. DENIS QUIN Director-General Confederation of British Road Passenger Transport.