Citation

Krueger G, Belzer M, Alvarez A, Knipling R, Husting E, Brewster R, Siebert J. Transp. Res. Circular 2007; (E-C117): 58-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This section of circular E-C117 reviews important health and wellness topics pertaining to commercial truck, bus and motorcoach drivers, with discussion focused on those factors that directly affect driving safety. Some driver health issues are addressed in less detail here because they are not so obviously connected to driving safety per se. The following eleven health-related matters considered by the authors to have a direct relationship to commercial driving safety are addressed: cardiovascular illness and heart disease; diabetes; epilepsy; obesity; vision considerations; hearing requirements; effects and interactions of prescribed and nonprescribed drugs; stress - physical and psychological; mental health - depression and adjustment disorders; sleep disorders; and driver fatigue as a function of long work schedules. Information is linked to federal regulations for commercial drivers, and practical safety management guidance is provided for some topics. Where applicable, gaps in current knowledge that call for more research are pointed out.