Evidence and Dimensions of Commercial Driver Differential Crash Risk

This paper highlights evidence from several instrumented vehicle studies that crash risk varies significantly among commercial truck drivers, and also cites findings from surveys of fleet safety managers and other experts on the topic of individual differences in commercial driver crash risk. Within various subject groups, 10-15% of the drivers typically account for 30-50% of the crash risk. This pattern is seen in measures of driver errors associated with crashes and also in measures of driver drowsiness. The evidence also suggests, but does not yet prove, that these individual differences are long-term. To the extent that these individual differences are long-term, they may be considered personal traits. This paper conceptualizes driver risk factors, provides illustrative examples of differential individual risk within groups of drivers, identifies driver factors thought to be most associated with crash risk, and considers the opportunities for improved commercial driving safety presented by differential crash risk.