Association announces new 24-month Eyes on Fatigue study
The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has linked with regulator Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) for a 24-month trial of in-vehicle driver monitoring technology.
The Eyes on Fatigue project, funded by MAIC, will utilise the Gen 2 Guardian Seeing Machines Systems hardware to measure the effectiveness of driver monitoring technology in reducing the incidence of driver distraction, inattention and fatigue episodes.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon says industry and the heavy vehicle regulator will be advised on findings from the trials.
“It’s exciting to trial the use of this product in the road freight industry as there is growing evidence around the danger of driver distraction/inattention and the link to near misses, accidents, safety critical events and even fatalities,” Mahon says.
“We are pleased to be able to offer our industry the opportunity to trial new technologies. This project will boost the associations’ arguments for more flexibility in the law for operators who invest in and effectively manage the use of this type of technology.”
Read about the QTA’s work with the SmartCap technology trials, here
MAIC has engaged Dr Darren Wishart from Griffith University to conduct the project research and evaluation.
“As well as assessing the effectiveness of the technology to avert on road crashes, the evaluation will also take account of off-road factors impacting on drivers at the time of an event,” Wishart says.
“These factors can include time schedules, family related issues, health and well-being, workloads or recreational activities during scheduled downtime or days off.”
MAIC insurance commissioner Neil Singleton adds: “We are keen to support research which reduces the incidence and severity of motor vehicle crashes.
“We are particularly encouraged that the heavy vehicle industry, through the QTA is taking the lead on such a significant project.
“We are also pleased to be able to fund the project evaluation to be undertaken by Dr Wishart who has expertise in Organisational Driving Safety Systems Analysis.”
The QTA is seeking expressions of interest from road freight operators who wish to participate in the project.