MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AT WORK
How to Choose the Right Fatigue Detection Technology for Your Workplace
This infographic highlights different factors for employers to consider when selecting a fatigue detection technology as part of a comprehensive safety management approach.
Keep Workers Safe on the Road Infographic
This infographic covers the human and economic impact of work-related crashes, making it a useful resource for HR or safety professionals to make a business case for a motor vehicle safety program.
Fact Sheet: Preventing Work-Related Motor Vehicle Crashes
NIOSH Publication No. 2015-111
This fact sheet recommends ways employers can keep workers safe when driving or riding in a motor vehicle on the job. It outlines components of a successful motor vehicle safety program. It ends with a checklist that employers can use to implement the recommendations.
2010 – 2019
The relationships among roadway safety management practices, collision rates, and injury rates within company fleets.
Safety Science: Dec 2019 / 120:589-602
Working Time Society consensus statements: regulatory approaches to reduce risks associated with shift work – a global comparison.
Ind Health 2019 Mar-Apr; 57(2):245-263
Work-related fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes: Matching of 2010 data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System
Accident Analysis & Prevention: July 2016 / 92:97-106
Fleet safety: developing & sustaining an effective program with ANSI/ASSE Z15.1
Professional Safety: March 2014 / 59(3):47-56
This article discusses the use of the ANSI/ASSE Z15.1-2012 standard to provide comprehensive guidance on fleet safety program elements and as a foundation for auditing an existing program.
Occupational highway transportation deaths among workers aged >/= 55 years – United States, 2003-2010
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: August 23, 2013 / 62(33):653-657
Highway transportation incidents are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States. This study reported that the fatality rate of occupational highway transportation incidents for workers aged ≥65 years was more than three times the rate for workers aged 18-54.
Short Sleep Duration Among Workers – United States, 2010
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: April 27, 2012 / 61(16):281-285
Insufficient sleep can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for fatigued workers and others around them. This study found that short sleep is associated with various adverse health effects on workers. It suggests the need to target interventions to increase the proportion of adults who get sufficient sleep to improve safety at work.
Occupational Highway Transportation Deaths – United States, 2003-2008
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: April 28, 2011 / 60(16):497-502
Highway transportation crashes are the leading cause of fatal injuries in the United States for both workers and the general population. To assess trends and help guide the prevention of occupational highway transportation deaths, CDC analyzed data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) for 2003-2008.
Fatigue risk management: Organizational factors at the regulatory and industry/company level
Accident Analysis & Prevention: March 2011 / 43(2):573-590
This study describes fatigue risk management systems in different transport modes. It suggests that in order to meet their responsibilities to manage fatigue, regulators, employers and employees need to gain an understanding of its causes and consequences.
2000 – 2009
Nonfatal Work-related Motor Vehicle Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States, 1998-2002
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: September 2009 / 52(9):698-706
This study analyzed the national data on nonfatal injuries from work-related motor vehicle crashes. The average annual rate of these injuries was 7 per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers. Public safety workers had the largest number of injuries, and taxicab service employees had the highest injury rate of all industries.
Comparison of Fatalities From Work Related Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States
Injury Prevention: October 2005 / 11(5):294-299)
This analysis compares the extent and characteristics of motor vehicle traffic incidents on public roads resulting in fatal occupational injuries in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Strategic Plan, 2020-2029
NIOSH Publication No. 2020-126
This strategic plan for 2020–2029 serves several purposes: to guide internal NIOSH researchers and program leaders in developing and encouraging development of research proposals that align with CMVS and NIOSH priorities; to guide external researchers, including those who wish to apply for NIOSH funding, in developing research proposals that align with CMVS and NIOSH priorities; and to inform the research community and other federal agencies of CMVS and NIOSH research priorities, encouraging information exchange and collaborations.
2020 – 2023
10 Steps Employers Can Take to Keep Young Drivers Safe
CDC Feature (April 2022)
From 2011–2020, 896 workers ages 16–24 died in motor vehicle crashes at work, accounting for 25% of all work-related deaths in this age group.
The NIOSH future of work initiative research agenda
NIOSH Publication No. 2022-105 (December 2021)
The NIOSH Future of Work Initiative Research Agenda represents NIOSH’s Future of Work Initiative priority topics across the workplace (organizational design, technological job displacement, work arrangements), work (artificial intelligence, robotics, technologies), and workforce (demographics, economic security, skills).
Marijuana and Driving: How to Keep Your Fleet’s Drivers Safe
CDC Feature (December 2021)
Marijuana use in the United States is increasing as more states legalize its medical and recreational use. Managing motor vehicle crash risks associated with marijuana impairment is important, as marijuana impacts a driver’s cognitive abilities.
In-vehicle Monitoring Systems
CDC Feature (June 2021)
One safety tool that companies are using to prevent crashes is in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS). IVMS are devices designed to improve drivers’ performance by identifying risky driving behaviors for self-correction and for supervisors to use to coach drivers and identify fleet-wide problems.
Choosing the “Right” Fatigue Monitoring and Detection Technology
NIOSH Science Blog (January 2021)
Fatigue can shorten concentration, slow reaction times and impair decision-making skills resulting in increased health and safety risks for workers. It has been estimated that one in five fatal motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. can be attributed to fatigue.
The Who, What, How and When of Implementing Fatigue Monitoring and Detection Technologies
NIOSH Science Blog (January 2021)
Worker fatigue can result from a variety of sources, such as insufficient sleep, long work hours, physical exertion and stress. Fatigue can slow down reaction times, reduce attention or concentration, limit short-term memory, and impair judgment, affecting the health and safety of workers and their co-workers.
Fleet Safety Management
CDC Feature (June 2020)
Many companies have adopted a wide range of fleet safety management practices to prevent crashes and related injuries among their workforce, but we don’t necessarily know which practices are making a difference.
Driver Fatigue
CDC Feature (March 2020)
Fatigue can result when you do not get enough sleep or do not get quality sleep. It can impair your driving, similar to alcohol impairment.
2010 – 2019
Transposition of EU directives related to occupational road safety by three member states
Occupational Safety in Transport Conference, September 20-21, 2012, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217, Australia. Queensland, Australia.
This research assesses transpositions of relevant EU directives by the United Kingdom, France, and Sweden. Although member-state transpositions were generally technically accurate, they were influenced by domestic politics, institutional arrangements, and policy beliefs.
NIOSH Backgrounder on Distracted Driving: Work-related Hazards and Resources for Safety
NIOSH Update (October 5, 2010)
Distracted driving is a danger under any circumstances. When someone is behind the wheel while on the job, distracted driving becomes an occupational hazard.
Occupational Road Safety Worldwide: Lessons for Research, Policy and Practice
In 2009, NIOSH and partners hosted the first International Conference on Road Safety at Work. Key themes were the importance of making a “business case” for managing road safety in the workplace, adopting a “systems” approach, and collecting better data to help policy makers and employers improve prevention programs.
NIOSH Fatal Occupational Injury Cost Fact Sheet: Truck Transportation
NIOSH Publication No. 2012-135
2020 – 2023
Research gaps and needs for preventing worker fatigue in the transportation and utilities industries
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: March 2022 / [Epub ahead of print]
TWU workers experienced 19% of all fatalities among U.S. workers in 2018 and 7% of total occupational injuries and illnesses.
Truck driver reported unrealistically tight delivery schedules linked to their opinions of maximum speed limits and hours-of-service rules and their compliance with these safety laws and regulations
Safety Science: January 2021 / 133:105003
Driver reported unrealistically tight delivery schedules are associated with drivers’ beliefs in safety laws/regulations and risk-taking behaviors. LHTDs see building more truck stops/rest areas as the most wanted safety need among the 11 potential safety strategies that were asked about in the survey.
2010 – 2019
Accelerated Evaluation of Automated Vehicles Safety in Lane-Change Scenarios
IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems March 2017 /18(3):595-607
Using data from naturalistic-field operational tests of prototype automated vehicles on public roads, this study developed improved techniques for evaluating the testing and validation of automated vehicles.
Trucker sleep patterns influence safety-critical events.
Atlas of Science July 2016: 1-2
Fatigued or drowsy driving is widely recognized as a contributor to fatal crashes involving large trucks. A study done by NIOSH in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute examined sleep patterns of 96 commercial truck drivers during their non-work periods and evaluated the influence of these sleep patterns on subsequent truck-driving performance during work periods. Study results show the importance of drivers receiving adequate sleep the night prior to their driving and underscore the importance of providing drivers with sufficient sleep opportunities.
The influence of daily sleep patterns of commercial truck drivers on driving performance.
Accident Analysis and Prevention 2016 / 91: 55-63
Fatigued or drowsy driving is widely recognized as a contributor to fatal crashes involving large trucks. A study done by NIOSH in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute examined sleep patterns of 96 commercial truck drivers during their non-work periods and evaluated the influence of these sleep patterns on subsequent truck-driving performance during work periods. Study results show the importance of drivers’ receiving adequate sleep the night prior to their driving and underscore the importance of providing drivers with sufficient sleep opportunities.
National survey of U.S. long-haul truck drivers: Injury and safety.
Accident Analysis and Prevention 2015 / 85: 66-72
NIOSH conducted personal interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,265 LHTDs at 32 truck stops across the U.S. in 2010.The results of this first national survey of LHTDs highlight critical safety issues that warrant further investigation and interventions to keep truck drivers and others on the road safe.
Seat belt use among long-haul truck drivers — United States, 2010
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: March 6, 2015 / 64(8);217-221.
This study reported that about 14% of long-haul truck drivers are at increased risk for injury and death because they do not use a seat belt on every trip. Safety programs and other management interventions, engineering changes, and design changes are recommended as strategies to increase seat belt use among LHTDs.
Obesity and other risk factors: the National Survey of U.S. Long-Haul Truck Driver Health and Injury
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: June 2014 / 57(6):615-629
This national survey found that obesity (69% vs. 31%) and current smoking (51% vs 19%) were twice as prevalent in long-haul truck drivers as in the 2010 U.S adult working population.
U.S. truck driver anthropometric study and multivariate anthropometric models for cab designs
Human Factors: October 2012 / 54(5):849-871
This study presents updated information on body dimensions of a nationally representative sample of the U.S. truck driver population. It reports that both male and female drivers are about 30 pounds heavier than persons of the same age in the general population. This research will help manufacturers build safer truck cabs that are a better fit for today’s drivers.
Mortality among members of a truck driver trade association
AAOHN Journal: November 2010 / 58(11):473-480
This study analyzed cause of death for a group of truck drivers, 69% of whom were owner-operators. The authors analyzed 26 major disease classifications and 92 specific causes of death. The only cause of death that was significantly more common for truck drivers than in the general population was transportation accidents.
2000 – 2009
Commercial Drivers’ Health: A Naturalistic Study of Body Mass Index, Fatigue, and Involvement in Safety-critical Events
Traffic Injury Prevention: December 2009 / 10(6):573-579
This study links obesity to driver fatigue and to the likelihood of involvement in a safety-critical event.
Impact of federal compliance reviews of trucking companies in reducing highway truck crashes
Accident Analysis & Prevention: January 2008 / 40(1):238-245
Anthropometric Study of U.S. Truck Drivers: Methods, Summary Statistics, and Multivariate Accommodation Models
NIOSH Publication No. 2015-116
The Influence of Heavy Truck Egress Tactics on Ground Reaction Force
NIOSH Publication No. 2012-103, November 2011 / :192-195
How truck drivers enter or leave their cabs affects their risk for slips and falls, which are an important cause of injury. Truck drivers are trained to enter and exit their trucks using inward-facing tactics, but some drivers choose to do otherwise. This study found that drivers with high BMIs used inward-facing tactics more frequently than other drivers. It recommends inward-facing tactics since lower ground reaction forces are associated with reduced stresses on tissues.
What Long-Haul Truck Driver Employees need to know about COVID-19
CDC blog (November 2020)
COVID-19 can sometimes cause serious complications. People at a higher risk for severe illness include: Older adults; People of any age who have underlying medical conditions.
Quick Sleep Tips for Truck Drivers
NIOSH Publication No. 2014-150
Driving a truck is a very demanding job. Lack of sleep makes it more difficult to meet the demands of the job and increases the risk for drowsy driving and vehicle crashes. This brochure provides truck drivers with quick tips for how to prepare for better sleep.
A story of impact: Improved safety for truck drivers: designing safer cabs based on driver body dimensions
NIOSH Publication No. 2011-188
Anthropometric changes among U.S. truck drivers
Proceedings of the 17th World Congress on Ergonomics (IEA2009), Beijing, China, August 9-14, 2009. Madison, WI: International Ergonomics Association, 2009 Aug:1-4.
Proceedings of Truck Driver Occupational Safety and Health Conference
NIOSH Publication No. 2007-120
In April 2003, an international group of researchers convened in Detroit to discuss the occupational safety and health of commercial motor vehicle drivers. This conference was unusual because it focused on driver well-being, rather than general highway safety and transportation issues. The report provides a selective review of the relevant literature, summarizes the conference presentations, incorporates the comments made by many of the participants, and outlines some topics needing further research.
Prevent Struck-by Incidents at Crash Scenes
Learn how to prevent struck-by incidents at crash scenes.
Keep Officers Safe on the Road Infographic
Motor vehicle-related incidents are the leading cause of on-the-job deaths for law enforcement officers in the U.S. This infographic provides key stats and recommends ways that officers can prevent crashes and injuries.
Fact Sheet: Law Enforcement Motor Vehicle Safety
NIOSH Publication No. 2021-122
This fact sheet highlights results from a study evaluating the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s safe driving program. It also includes recommendations for agencies and safe driving messages for officers.
Fact Sheet: Emergency Medical Services Workers: How Employers Can Prevent Injuries and Exposures
NIOSH Publication No. 2017-194
This fact sheet provides results from a four-year study capturing data from EMS workers treated in emergency departments and gives employers recommendations for preventing injuries and exposures among workers.
Take Charge of Your Safety In and Around Your Patrol Vehicle
NIOSH Publication No. 2015-109
Officer Road Code Toolkit
NIOSH Publication No. 2019-100
It’s important to promote motor vehicle safety among patrol officers so they can stay safe while working to make communities safer. This toolkit is designed to promote safe driving practices within an agency so that patrol officers operate by a unified code behind the wheel: Drive to Arrive Alive.
2020 – 2023
Evaluation of Advanced Curve Speed Warning System to Prevent Fire Truck Rollover Crashes
Journal of Safety Research: October 2022 / [Epub ahead of print]
This study examined the effects of a curve speed warning system (CSWS) on fire tanker drivers’ emergency response behavior to develop system improvement suggestions.
Pilot Test of NIOSH Training for Law Enforcement on Shift Work and Long Work Hours
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: July 2022 / 64(7):599-606
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an online training program for managing shift work and long work hours among law enforcement officers. After the training, actigraphy data showed reductions in sleep latency, awakenings during sleep, sleepiness, difficulty staying awake during the day, and difficulty getting things done. After training, participant’s knowledge about sleep improved and satisfaction with the training was high.
Evaluation of advanced curve speed warning system for fire trucks
Applied Ergonomics: November 2021 / 97:103527
A curve speed warning system (CSWS) for firetrucks was developed and tested in this study. Results show that the CSWS was effective in issuing preemptive warnings when the drivers were approaching curves with unsafe speed during emergency responses.
Eight years of motor vehicle fatalities among Georgia law enforcement officers
The Georgia Police Chief: Summer 2021 / 50-53
An examination of fatal crash data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) was performed between 2010 and 2017 to count and describe motor-vehicle related fatalities in the state of Georgia.
Needs and procedures for a national anthropometry study of law enforcement officers
Human Factors: June 2021 / [Epub ahead of print]
This research aims to determine the need and extent for a national anthropometry survey of law enforcement officers (LEOs) via an exploratory investigation of anthropometric changes of LEOs in four decades and comparisons of the LEO data with three existing military and civilian anthropometry sources.
Anthropometric study of emergency medical services providers (EMSP) in the United States
Journal of Safety Research: September 2020 / 74(10):187-197
Provides summary statistics (means, standard deviation, and percentiles) of a large-scale anthropometric study of emergency medical service providers (EMSP) in the U.S. Examines the anthropometric differences between the EMSP dataset and the U.S. general population, and between the EMSP dataset and U.S. military personnel dataset, respectively.
2010 – 2019
The impact of a crash prevention program in a large law enforcement agency
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: October 2019 / 62(10):847-858
Preventing emergency vehicle crashes: status and challenges of human factors issues
Human Factors: July 2018 / [Epub ahead of print]
Seat and seatbelt accommodation in fire apparatus: anthropometric aspects
Applied Ergonomics: November 2015 / 51:137-151
This study provides data that may reduce impediments to the easy use of seat belts by fire service personnel. Vehicle design engineers and fire departments can use these data to better match vehicles and equipment to the physical needs of the fire fighters who use them.
Characteristics of officer-involved vehicle collisions in California
Policing: July-September 2015 / 38(3):458-477
The purpose of this paper is to examine the situational and individual officer characteristics of officer-involved vehicle collisions that result in fatality, injury, and non-injury outcomes.
Law enforcement officers’ risk perceptions toward on-duty motor-vehicle events
Policing: July-September 2015 / 38(3):
Motor-vehicle related events (MVEs) are the leading cause of on-duty death for law enforcement officers, yet little is known about how officers view this significant job hazard. This paper explores officers’ motor-vehicle risk perception and examines how prior on-duty MVEs and the death or injury of a fellow officer influences this perception.
Assessing the performance of various restraints on ambulance patient compartment workers during crash events
International Journal of Crashworthiness: October 2010 / 15(5):517-541
The inability of emergency medical service (EMS) workers to remain safely restrained while treating patients in the patient compartment of a moving ambulance has been identified as a key safety risk for EMS workers in North America. Results indicate that the restraint systems offering mobility have the potential to improve worker safety in this unique work environment.
Eleven years of occupational mortality in law enforcement: the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 1992-2002
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: September 2010 / 53(9):940-949
This study compares and describes intentional and transport-related fatality rates among US law enforcement officers (LEOs) over an 11-year period. It found that transportation-related deaths were nearly as common as homicide as a cause of occupational injuries and deaths for LEOs.
2000 – 2009
Reducing firefighter vehicle crash fatalities
Fire Engineering: June 2009 / 162(6):79-84
Although on-duty firefighter fatalities in structure fires have declined in the past 30 years, deaths from motor vehicle crashes have stayed about the same. This article suggests that firefighter deaths in motor vehicle incidents could be reduced by enforcing the use of seatbelts at all times, providing additional training to drivers, wearing appropriate safety equipment, and monitoring compliance with safety rules.
Crash testing of ambulance chassis cab vehicles
SAE 2007 Transactions Journal of Commercial Vehicles. Warrendale, PA: SAE International, 2008 Apr;1-19.
NIOSH and partners conducted a test program to evaluate the capability of mobile restraint systems to protect occupants in the patient compartment of an ambulance. This paper focuses on the test results related to vehicle chassis behavior and acceleration pulses.
Sergeant Struck by a Motor Vehicle on Interstate Highway – New Mexico
NIOSH LEO 2014-01, January 2016 / :1-19
Sheriff’s office sergeant was fatally injured when he was struck by a motorist while investigating several motor vehicle crashes on an interstate highway.
Law Enforcement Officer Motor Vehicle Safety: Findings from a Statewide Survey
NIOSH Publication No. 2015-101
This document reports results and recommendations from a survey of law enforcement officers in Iowa. Officers responded to questions about their attitudes and behaviors related to motor vehicle safety on the job, their crash experience, and departmental policies and training.
Preventing Deaths and Injuries of Fire Fighters Operating Modified Excess/Surplus Vehicles
NIOSH Publication No. 2011-125
Fire fighters may be at risk for crash-related injuries while operating excess and other surplus vehicles that have been modified for fire service use. NIOSH urges fire departments to take precautions and actions to minimize the hazards and risks to fire fighters when using modified excess/surplus vehicles.
2020 – 2023
Struck-by: Officer Safety
CDC Feature (May 2022)
Struck-by incidents are one of the leading causes of injury-related death for law enforcement officers. These incidents occur when an officer is hit by a motorist while working outside of their patrol vehicle.
Focus on Officer Wellness: Prevent Struck-by Incidents at Crash Scenes
Police Chief: January 2022 / :16-17
2010 – 2019
Traffic Safety Initiatives: Drive to Arrive Alive
Police Chief: August 2019 / LXXXVI(8):18-19
Law Enforcement Officer Motor Vehicle Crash and Struck-by Fatality Investigations: A Pilot Program
NIOSH Publication No. 2017-121
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Motor Vehicle Crash and Struck-by Fatality Investigations Pilot Program is a research program that investigates LEO line-of-duty deaths due to motor vehicle events. This flyer provides information about the program’s investigations and reports.
Dataset: Anthropometric Database for the EMTs in the United States
NIOSH Dataset RB-1008-2016-0
Research in brief: motor vehicle safety for law enforcement officers – still a priority
Police Chief: April 2015 / LXXXII(4):22-23
Between 2013 and 2014, the number of officers who died in the line of duty increased by 24 percent. In 2014, 50 officers were killed in firearm incidents, and 49 died due to motor vehicle events. In the last decade, one officer a week, on average, has been killed on U.S. roads (2005-2014 = 61.9 deaths annually). Even though motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of job-related deaths among law enforcement officers, data on motor vehicle injury and crash trends are scant. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) embarked on a comprehensive statewide study of motor vehicle safety among law enforcement officers to better understand these issues. The study was conducted in one state (Iowa); however, the results and recommendations are useful to law enforcement leaders across the United States.
Take Charge of Your Safety in and Around Your Patrol Vehicle
NIOSH Publication No. 2015-109
This flyer tells law enforcement officers five simple things they can do to reduce their risk of a motor vehicle crash while on duty.
SAE Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2956 for Occupant Restraint and Equipment Mounting Integrity – Side Impact System-Level Ambulance Patient Compartment
SAE (2011)
This SAE Recommended Practice describes the test procedures for conducting side impact occupant restraint and equipment mounting integrity tests for ambulance patient compartments. It describes crash pulse characteristics and recommends test procedures to standardize restraint system and equipment mounting testing for ambulances. Descriptions of the test set-up, test instrumentation, photographic/video coverage, and the test fixtures are included.
A story of impact: NIOSH continues research to improve safety for ambulance service workers and EMS responders
NIOSH Publication No. 2011-190
A story of impact: NIOSH research leads to a reduction in safety hazards among ambulance service workers and EMS responders
NIOSH Publication No. 2010-164
SAE (2010). SAE Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2917 for Occupant Restraint and Equipment Mounting Integrity – Frontal Impact System-Level Ambulance Patient Compartment
This SAE Recommended Practice describes the test procedures for conducting frontal impact occupant restraint and equipment mounting integrity tests for ambulance patient compartment applications. These procedures are intended to standardize the testing of restraint systems and equipment mounts in ambulances. Descriptions of the test set-up, test instrumentation, photographic/video coverage, and the test fixtures are included.
Fact Sheet: Oil and Gas Extraction Workers: How to Prevent Fatigued Driving at Work
NIOSH Publication No. 2018-126
Oil and gas workers drive long distances from their homes, lodging sites, and equipment yards to reach well sites that are often in remote areas. Fatigued (drowsy) driving is a major cause of crashes in this industry. This fact sheet gives drivers information about fatigue and tips to stay safe behind the wheel.
Fact Sheet: Oil and Gas Extraction Employers: How to Prevent Fatigued Driving at Work
NIOSH Publication No. 2018-125
Motor vehicle crashes cause over 40% of work-related deaths in the oil and gas extraction industry. Driver fatigue, which may be a result of insufficient sleep, long distances traveled to well sites, and long work shifts, is a factor in some of these crashes. This fact sheet recommends strategies for employers to manage fatigued driving among their workers.
Risky driving behaviors and employer motor vehicle safety policies among U.S. oil and gas extraction workers
Journal of Safety Research: June 2023 / [Epub ahead of print]
Over half of fatal occupational injuries in the oil and gas extraction (OGE) industry are due to transportation incidents. While driving for work is common in this industry and risky driving behaviors have been identified as contributing factors to fatal crashes among OGE workers, limited information is available on the frequency of risky driving behaviors and employer policies to reduce these behaviors.
On the road again: A cross‐sectional survey examining work schedules, commuting time, and driving‐related outcomes among U.S. oil and gas extraction workers
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: September 2022 / 65(9):749–761
The purpose of this study is to better understand OGE worker schedules and hours, commuting times, self‐reported sleep, and employer safety policies to determine relationships between these factors and driving‐related outcomes. Longer daily commutes, nonstandard work schedules, less sleep on workdays, and lack of employer policies were associated with one or more risky driving‐related outcomes.
Research gaps and needs for preventing worker fatigue in the transportation and utilities industries
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: March 2022 / [Epub ahead of print]
TWU workers experienced 19% of all fatalities among U.S. workers in 2018 and 7% of total occupational injuries and illnesses.
US research needs related to fatigue, sleep, and working hours among oil and gas extraction workers
American Journal of Industrial Medicine: November 2021 / [Epub ahead of print]
During 2003-2013, 1189 US oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers died while working, resulting in an average annual workplace fatality rate seven times that for all US workers. OGE work commonly involves long hours, shiftwork, irregular schedules, and long commutes, but effects of these factors on fatigue, occupational injury, and illness in OGE are largely unknown.
Motor Vehicle Fatalities Among Oil and Gas Extraction Workers
Accident Analysis & Prevention: March 2013 / 51(1):168-174
This study describes the characteristics of motor vehicle-related fatalities in the oil and gas extraction (OGE) industry using data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. OGE workers had 8.5 times the fatality rate of all U.S. workers in private industry.
A review of the literature: motor vehicle safety initiatives in the oil and gas extraction industry
SPE Americas 2013: E&P Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Conference, March 18-20, 2013, Galveston, Texas. Richardson, TX: Society of Petroleum Engineers, SPE-163738-MS, 2013 Mar; :83-95
This paper conducted a systematic review of the motor vehicle safety initiatives that have been published in the oil and gas extraction industry. The study found out that there is the need to improve the quality of research articles examining motor vehicles safety in the oil and gas extraction industry.
Implementing an in-vehicle monitoring program: a guide for the oil and gas extraction industry
Protecting People and the Environment–Evolving Challenges: SPE/APPEA International Conference on Health, Safety, and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, September 11-13, 2012, Perth, Australia. Richardson, TX: Society of Petroleum Engineers, Paper No. 156535, 2012 Sep; :394-398
This study provides information on motor vehicle crashes in the oil and gas extraction industry using in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS). It describes the benefits of IVMS and presents an IMVS guide developed by NIOSH partners.
Take Pride in Your Job: Seat Belts
NIOSH Publication No. 2009-109d
This video, designed to be used in pre-shift or weekly safety meetings, encourages oil and gas extraction workers to wear a seat belt whenever in a moving motor vehicle.
Fact Sheet: Young Drivers in the Workplace: How Employers and Parents Can Help Keep Them Safe on the Road
NIOSH Publication No. 2017-207
This fact sheet gives information on workplace driving laws that are important to follow so that young drivers may gain work experience under the safest conditions possible. It also provides recommendations on how to promote safe driving and prevent motor vehicle crashes among young workers who drive as part of their job.
Fact Sheet: Older Drivers in the Workplace: How Employers and Workers Can Prevent Crashes
NIOSH Publication No. 2016-116
This fact sheet gives employers and workers information on age-related physical and mental changes that may affect older workers’ driving.
NIOSH Fatal Occupational Injury Cost Fact Sheet: Transit and Ground Transportation
NIOSH Publication No. 2012-134
NIOSH Fatal Occupational Injury Cost Fact Sheet: Couriers and Messengers
NIOSH Publication No. 2012-133
Individual, Business-Related, and Work Environment Factors Associated with Driving While Tired among Taxi Drivers in Two U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Journal of Safety Research: 2019 / 70:71-77
Violence-related events and roadway incidents are the leading causes of injury among taxi drivers. Fatigue is under-recognized and prevalent in this workforce and is associated with both injury outcomes. We describe the association of individual, business-related, and work environment factors with driving tired among taxi drivers in two very different cities.
Analytical observational study of nonfatal motor vehicle collisions and incidents in a light-vehicle sales and service fleet
Accident Analysis & Prevention: August 2019 / 129:126-135
Evaluation of an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) to reduce risky driving behaviors in commercial drivers: Comparison of in-cab warning lights and supervisory coaching with videos of driving behavior
Journal of Safety Research: February 2017 / 60:125-136
The objective of this research was to evaluate whether two types of feedback from a commercially available in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) would reduce the incidence of risky driving behaviors in drivers from two companies. The largest decline in the rate of risky driving behaviors occurred when feedback included supervisory coaching in addition to real-time alerts in the vehicle.
The Use of Electronic Pharmacy Data to Investigate Prescribed Medications and Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes in a Military Population, 2002-2006
Accident Analysis & Prevention: January 2010 / 42(1):261-268
The authors examined the association between prescribed medications and fatal motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) in an active duty military population between 2002 and 2006.
Improving work zone safety: recommendations based on a NIOSH fatality investigation
Professional Safety 2008 Apr; 53(4):46-48
Workers in highway work zones are exposed to risk of injury from the movement of construction vehicles and equipment within the work zones, as well as from passing motor vehicle traffic. This article highlights the events leading to the death of a laborer working in a residential roadway construction work zone in North Carolina.
Building Safer Highway Work Zones: Measures to Prevent Worker Injuries from Vehicles and Equipment
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-128
Best practices for preventing worker injuries and fatalities in highway work zones due to motor vehicles and construction equipment. Includes one-page case studies suitable for use in toolbox safety talks or safety management classes.
Taxi Drivers How to Prevent Robbery and Violence
NIOSH Publication No. 2020-100
This fast facts card recommends strategies for taxi drivers to prevent or reduce the likelihood of violence during a shift.
How to Prevent Driving-Related Injuries
NIOSH Publication No. 2012-122
This is a “Fast Facts” card on motor vehicle crash prevention for home healthcare workers.
A review of recent accidents involving explosives transport
Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique: January 2008 / 2:1-12
This study reported that over the past 10 years, accidents in the U.S. during the transport of explosives used in mining and construction have resulted in 5 major injuries, 11 minor injuries, and no fatalities. The authors attribute this good safety record to diligent efforts by government, labor, and industry. To avoid serious accidents in the future, such as those that have taken place in other countries, the authors recommend that efforts to prevent these accidents in the U.S. should remain strong.
Construction Equipment Visibility
This web page offers detailed diagrams to assist in visualizing the areas around various construction vehicles and equipment that are unable to be seen from the operator’s position.
Through the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program, NIOSH conducts on-site investigations of occupational fatalities, including those related to motor vehicles, and supports similar efforts by State partners. NIOSH also investigates vehicle-related fatalities of fire fighters through the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. The case summaries from FACE reports can be used by employers in safety meetings and “toolbox talks.”
2015 – 2019
NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Evaluation of Strategic Plan for Research and Prevention, 2014-2018
NIOSH Publication No. 2019-166
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Center for Motor Vehicle Safety (CMVS) conducted an evaluation of its strategic plan for 2014-2018.
NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety: Results from 2016 Midcourse Review
NIOSH Publication No. 2017-139
The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Strategic Plan for Research and Prevention, 2014-2018 outlines the Center’s five strategic goals. This document features progress highlights, more information about the Center, a big-picture analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats, and our plans moving forward.
NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety – Performance Measures
NIOSH Publication No. 2016-164
The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Strategic Plan for Research and Prevention, 2014-2018 sets performance measures for each of the Center’s five strategic goals. This document serves to display progress we have made to meet these measures.
NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety – Progress Report 2016
NIOSH Publication No. 2016-163
The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety Strategic Plan for Research and Prevention, 2014-2018 outlines the Center’s five strategic goals. This document serves to feature progress highlights, more information about the Center, a big-picture analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats, and our plans moving forward.
2010 – 2014
NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety: strategic plan for research and prevention, 2014-2018
NIOSH Publication No. 2014-122
The NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety coordinates NIOSH research and prevention activities to prevent work-related motor vehicle crashes. The Center’s strategic plan describes five priorities for the Center: improving identification of risk factors for crashes; using engineering and technological solutions to prevent crashes; using management and policy changes to help employers prevent work-related crashes; engaging global partners in research and prevention; and communicating prevention recommendations to employers, workers, and others.
Fact Sheet: Work-Related Motor Vehicle Crashes: Preventing Injuries to Young Drivers: What Employers Should Know
NIOSH Publication No. 2013-153
This fact sheet will help employers be more aware of the risk of motor vehicle crashes among younger workers. It gives information about Federal and state laws that cover workplace driving and offers recommendations to employers for preventing motor vehicle crashes among younger workers.
Fact Sheet: Work-Related Motor Vehicle Crashes: Preventing Injuries to Young Drivers: What Parents Should Know
NIOSH Publication No. 2013-152
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult who drives as part of his or her job, it is important that you understand the risk for motor vehicle crashes at work. This fact sheet gives information about Federal and state laws that cover workplace driving and offers recommendations for you and your son or daughter for preventing motor vehicle crashes among younger workers.
2005 – 2009
Fact Sheet: Older Drivers in the Workplace: Crash Prevention for Employers and Workers
NIOSH Publication No. 2005-159
This fact sheet provides safety recommendations for older drivers and their employers.
En español
A comparison of crash patterns in heavy trucks with and without collision warning system technology
SAE 2004 Transactions Journal of Commercial Vehicles: July 2005 / 113(2):360-365)
NIOSH Update: Medical Interns™ Risk for Car Crashes Linked With Extended Shifts in NIOSH-Funded Study
NIOSH Update (January 13, 2005)
2000 – 2004
NIOSH Update: Requiring Safety Belt Use is Key Employer Policy for Preventing Job Vehicle Deaths, NIOSH Says
NIOSH Update (September 14, 2004)
NIOSH Update: NIOSH Recommends Ways to Prevent Fatalities from Work-Related Roadway Crashes
NIOSH Update (April 7, 2004)
Fact Sheet: Work-Related Roadway Crashes: Who’s at Risk?
NIOSH Publication No. 2004-137
A quick reference for statistics on fatal work-related crashes in the U.S.
En español
Fact Sheet: Work-Related Roadway Crashes: Prevention Strategies for Employers
NIOSH Publication No. 2004-136
This fact sheet contains general recommendations for employers on crash prevention and vehicle safety programs.
En español
NIOSH Update: NIOSH, OSHA, Roadway Work Zone Safety and Health Coalition Ally to Improve Roadway Work Zone Safety
NIOSH Update (November 26, 2003)
NIOSH Update: Ways to Prevent Job-Related Roadway Deaths, Critical Research Areas Identified by NIOSH
NIOSH Update (November 6, 2003)
Ambulance Crash-Related Injuries Among Emergency Medical Services Workers – United States, 1991-2002
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: February 28, 2003 / 52(8): 154-156
EMS workers are most at risk when transporting patients, or responding to or returning from emergency calls. This report highlights the risk of death or serious injury for EMS workers riding in ambulances.
Your Safety First: Railroad Crossing Safety for Emergency Responders
NIOSH Publication No. 2003-121
Reports fatalities of emergency responders struck and killed by trains at railroad grade crossings. Discusses safe driving at rail crossings, awareness of signs and warning devices, and how to react if a vehicle stalls on the tracks. Developed by NIOSH in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration and Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
Hazard ID: Fire Fighter Deaths from Tanker Truck Rollovers
NIOSH Publication No. 2002-111
Offers safety recommendations to increase awareness of this hazard among the fire service, focusing on the need for fire departments to train drivers about the operating characteristics of tanker trucks and to ensure that tankers are properly designed and equipped.
En español
Hazard ID: Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters While Working Along Roadways
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-143
Provides case studies and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of pre-incident planning, standard operating procedures, and training to protect responder safety at incident sites.
En español