DRIVER'S FATIGUE * USA - "Statistic ‘not accurate’" report author says

An often-repeated statistic that fatigue is a factor in 30-40 percent of fatal crashes involving trucks is not accurate

Washington,DC,USA -Land Line, by David Tanner -11 May 2011:  ...   Speaking this week before the National Transportation Safety Board, research scientist Ron Knipling admitted he was at least partially responsible for the number being out there in the first place, but says it started as a “research note” in a larger report...  Knipling remarks came in response to a question from the Teamsters: “Is the 30-40 percent number accurate?”  -When the questioner asked the question for the third time, Knipling answered, “It’s not accurate” ...  OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer was seated next to Knipling on the panel, answering questions on a variety of subjects related to drivers and safety. During the discussion that followed Knipling’s remarks about accuracy, Spencer said fatigue is an issue in far fewer truck crashes than the number commonly cited...  Spencer told attendees matter of factly: “1.4 percent – that’s a hard number. You may not like it, but it’s a hard number” ...   (Image from mycarbudget:  Driver fatigue)

* USA - Ford’s wake-up call for Europe’s sleepy drivers

Auburn Hill,MICH,USA -HGV (UK) -May 12, 2011:  -- With thousands of accidents caused every year by tired drivers falling asleep at the wheel, Ford’s new Driver Alert safety system could prove to be a genuine life-saver...  Ford’s Driver Alert uses advanced technology and sophisticated algorithms to analyse driver performance and issues a warning if the driver shows signs of drowsiness or erratic steering...  The Driver Alert system comprises a small forward-facing camera connected to an on-board computer. The camera is mounted on the back of the rear-view mirror and is trained to identify lane markings on both sides of the vehicle...  When the vehicle is on the move, the computer looks at the road ahead and predicts where the car should be positioned relative to the lane markings. It then measures where the vehicle actually is and if the difference is significant, the system issues a warning...  (Photo from motoren: Ford Focus 2011 driver alert)