Age related safety in professional drivers: final report

With Australia facing a looming shortage of heavy vehicle drivers the question is raised as to whether it is desirable or prudent to encourage older professional heavy vehicle drivers to remain in the transport sector for longer, particularly those of heavy vehicles or recruit drivers of a younger age. The objectives of this study are to: compare accident rates of younger and older heavy vehicle drivers relative to middle age drivers using data from the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority and the Australian Bureau of Statistics and to test for an interaction between vehicle type and controller age group for various other factors which may contribute to accident causation. Following a thorough analysis of all motor vehicle accidents where a vehicle was towed away, an injury or fatality occurred we conclude that the Australian Government initiative to diversify the working population to include older workers (> 65 years) is appropriate to the Australian transport industry, particularly heavy vehicle drivers following appropriate health surveillance. However this analysis has demonstrated that encouraging younger drivers (< 26 years), particularly to drive rigid trucks is also appropriate without this endangering workplace and road safety. We have demonstrated that for a number of important accident factors the age of the driver does not affect accident causation. This practice, with appropriate mentoring and training would lead to the creation of a more professional and skilled workforce. This research was funded under the WorkCover Assist Applied Research Program. The grantee, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) engaged the University of Newcastle to undertake the study. The conclusions in the final report are those of the authors and any views expressed are not necessarily those of WorkCover NSW