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CHAPTER 5
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FINDINGS · There has been very little objective research conducted
on over-the-road bus operators and this is particularly
Although major research studies into operator fatigue have true when it comes to fatigue research.
been reported, motorcoach operators have not been included · Fatigue countermeasures that work for over-the-road truck
in those studies. Although the similarities between over-the- operators should work for over-the-road bus operators as
road truck drivers and over-the-road bus drivers are many, the well. Both bus and truck operators drive large vehicles
latter also have unique situations that may either increase or on long, over-the-road routes. There is no evidence that
decrease incidences of fatigue. bus and truck operators are drawn from different work-
Managers surveyed for this and other studies reported very force populations; they are also subject to the same
few bus crashes associated with bus operator fatigue. The work related pressures, schedules, and challenges.
research personnel responding to the survey believe that bus · The effects that passengers have on either combating or
operator fatigue may be a significant contributor to over-the- amplifying fatigue in bus operators have not been well
road safety incidents. However, there is little statistical sup- documented.
port for that belief.
Bus company managers identified operator training as a
major countermeasure to bus operator fatigue. The researchers RECOMMENDATIONS
also identified rest and regular schedules as key features of
· A research study on the specific effects of fatigue on
any fatigue countermeasure program.
over-the-road bus operators should be conducted.
Managers reported significant pressure from passengers to
· Any research into either causes of fatigue or fatigue
have bus operator's drive for longer periods. They also
countermeasures should include over-the-road bus
reported that as many as 75% of bus operators also handle
drivers as part of the subject pool.
passenger luggage.
· Over-the-road bus companies and associations should
Both drivers and managers believe that nearly all bus oper-
be encouraged to provide counter-fatigue products,
ators are familiar with current Federal HOS regulations.
training on fatigue effects, and combating fatigue infor-
mation and support to all bus operators, even when those
CONCLUSIONS products and materials may have been developed for the
trucking industry.
· There is no evidence that over-the-road bus operators · A research program on the effects of passengers on bus
are any more susceptible to fatigue than other commer- operator fatigue (including the effects of non-driving
cial drivers or other transportation operators. tasks) should be instituted.
