Asleep-at-wheel drivers scandal
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ili More than 16% of lorry drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel and 7% have crashed as a result, claims a survey by the International Transport Workers' Federation. The pan-European survey says that drivers "systematically" ignore rest periods and hours regulations, and are a major risk to other road users.
Half of all drivers have health problems because of their working conditions, and a significant proportion do not have enough daily rest — up to 25% sleep less than six hours, says the report.
It shows that drivers work between 62.5 and 75 hours a week — way above the average for other industries — and the risk of accidents increases sharply because of this.
The study, carried out by researchers in Holland, analyses 40 reports on working conditions, fatigue and health and safety from occupational health expert It finds that in many countries the rules governing drivers' hours and rest periods are ignored or are so complicated that hauliers, police and other authorities do not even understand them.
Federation assistant generalsecretary Graham Brothers says: "A state of anarchy exists in the industry". The report is being sent to all governments, drivers' unions and operators' associations, and calls on them to carry out further projects aimed at making road transport "a safer and more human industry".