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CHAPTER 5 FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FINDINGS Although major research studies into operator fatigue have been reported, motorcoach operators have not been included in those studies. Although the similarities between over-the- road truck drivers and over-the-road bus drivers are many, the latter also have unique situations that may either increase or decrease incidences of fatigue. Managers surveyed for this and other studies reported very few bus crashes associated with bus operator fatigue. The research personnel responding to the survey believe that bus operator fatigue may be a significant contributor to over-the- road safety incidents. However, there is little statistical sup- port for that belief. Bus company managers identified operator training as a major countermeasure to bus operator fatigue. The researchers also identified rest and regular schedules as key features of any fatigue countermeasure program. Managers reported significant pressure from passengers to have bus operatorâs drive for longer periods. They also reported that as many as 75% of bus operators also handle passenger luggage. Both drivers and managers believe that nearly all bus oper- ators are familiar with current Federal HOS regulations. CONCLUSIONS ⢠There is no evidence that over-the-road bus operators are any more susceptible to fatigue than other commer- cial drivers or other transportation operators. 22 ⢠There has been very little objective research conducted on over-the-road bus operators and this is particularly true when it comes to fatigue research. ⢠Fatigue countermeasures that work for over-the-road truck operators should work for over-the-road bus operators as well. Both bus and truck operators drive large vehicles on long, over-the-road routes. There is no evidence that bus and truck operators are drawn from different work- force populations; they are also subject to the same work related pressures, schedules, and challenges. ⢠The effects that passengers have on either combating or amplifying fatigue in bus operators have not been well documented. RECOMMENDATIONS ⢠A research study on the specific effects of fatigue on over-the-road bus operators should be conducted. ⢠Any research into either causes of fatigue or fatigue countermeasures should include over-the-road bus drivers as part of the subject pool. ⢠Over-the-road bus companies and associations should be encouraged to provide counter-fatigue products, training on fatigue effects, and combating fatigue infor- mation and support to all bus operators, even when those products and materials may have been developed for the trucking industry. ⢠A research program on the effects of passengers on bus operator fatigue (including the effects of non-driving tasks) should be instituted.
