Jan 21, 2005 8:49 AM, from staff and wire reports

A study that explores differences among truck drivers who are considered "high-risk" is available from the Transportation Research Board.

The study, authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, also assesses ways the drivers can be targeted by various fleet and industry safety programs and practices.

It summarizes information on individual differences in driver safety performance and alertness, examines various metrics and tests that might be used to hire safer drivers and avoid hiring high-risk drivers, and identifies safety management techniques currently used by commercial vehicle carriers to target problem drivers and their specific risky behaviors.

A variety of driver subjects are examined in the 94-page report, including personality traits that affect negative driving behavior such as aggressiveness, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Other subjects considered include age, gender, driving history, medical conditions and health, alcohol and drug abuse, fatigue, and stress.

The report can be ordered for $22 from TRB or downloaded from the web site at www.trb.org in the January 19 recent publications section.