Beware the Aggressive Truck Driver

Aggressive truck drivers are nearly three times more likely to have a collision than drivers who are drowsy, a recent study suggests.

San Diego, Calif.-based DriveCam’s Driving Insights Series analyzed the difference between collision and non-collision drivers’ conduct and condition, and found that compared to drivers who have not had a collision, drivers involved in one or more collisions are:

• 6.50 times more likely to exhibit aggressive driving.
• 2.23 times more likely to be drowsy.
• 2.05 times more likely to demonstrate judgment error.

Aggressive driving behaviors include, but are not limited to, speeding, tailgating, unsafe passing and excessive acceleration, according to the study. Judgment error is a poor or foolish driving decision that causes significant wear and tear on the vehicle or exposes the driver to substantial increased risk.

The study analyzed the driving behaviors of more than 9,000 active drivers in the trucking industry between July 2009 and December 2010. The difference between collision and non-collision drivers’ conduct and condition was evaluated in order to identify those with a statistically significant difference. Once they were identified, the probability of a collision was calculated given the number of times the distraction was observed.

Driving Insights is released on a regular basis. To view all Driving Insights, go to: www.drivecam.com.

Topics Auto Personal Auto