HOURS OF SLEEP AND FATIGUE IN MOTOR CARRIAGE

Using data from the Trucking Industry Program Survey of Drivers, the article examines hours of sleep and fatigue among truck drivers. The analysis finds that hours of sleep are inversely related to work time. Using a logit model of falling asleep at the wheel, the authors find hours of sleep, time spent driving, and hours of service violations significantly affect the likelihood of dozing at the wheel. These findings suggest that altering work rules and pay schemes could mitigate the safety problems caused by fatigue. (JEL "L9", "I18") Copyright 2005 Western Economic Association International.