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Could the implementation of rest areas decrease the number of truck driver crashes in Saskatchewan?

Author(s): Crizzle, Toxopeus

Slidedeck Presentation Only:

4C_Crizzle

Abstract:

Background/Context: Multiple reports show that truck drivers do not have adequate access to truck stops and rest areas to deal with fatigue, poor weather and/or road conditions. Consequently, many drivers continue to drive in dangerous conditions or when fatigued which increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions. There are only two truck stop locations in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon and Regina). To date, no study has been conducted in Saskatchewan (or in Canada) to map where crashes occur, on what routes, and the reasons for these crashes (e.g. fatigue or other medical reasons, poor road and/or weather conditions).

Aims/Objectives: The purpose was to map the location of truck driver's motor vehicle collisions in Saskatchewan and to identify factors that led to these crashes (e.g. fatigue or other medical conditions, bad weather, poor road conditions) and to develop recommendations for action.

Methods/Targets: Long-haul truck driver crash data was retrieved from the Saskatchewan Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration office from 2010 to 2018. Over this 8-year period, there were over 10,000 police reported crashes involving truck drivers. The data were mapped using geographic information systems (GIS) to examine routes and roadways where crashes occurred. Descriptive and inferential data (mean and standard deviation) examined the proportion of crashes that occurred due to fatigue, poor weather and road conditions, as well as the distance between and location of truck stops/rest areas.

Results/Activities: The findings show that many truck drivers are involved in accidents because they continue driving when fatigued or in bad weather due to a lack of rest areas/truck stops. Of the 10,000 police reported collisions, approximately 12% were involved in collisions due to fatigue, 45% drove too fast (20% drove too fast despite poor weather conditions such as rain, fog, high winds, snow/ice) and 11% in unfamiliar areas trying to find parking (because there were no more parking spots at truck stops). Most of the collisions occurred in the Northwestern and Southeastern areas of Saskatchewan where there are no rest areas, as well as in the bigger cities (more likely to cause an accident due to more traffic volume).

Discussion/Deliverables: There is a shortage of truck stops/rest areas in Western Canada and this shortage contributes to driving in contraindicated situations that elevate the risk of motor vehicle collisions. Addressing this issue requires a coordinated effort between government and industry partners to promote the wellbeing of its truck drivers.

Conclusions: The large distance between truck stops between Alberta and Manitoba with Saskatchewan is a cause for concern. Rest areas need to be developed along major routes in Saskatchewan.