Individualized Fatigue Management Program Technology for Trucking Operations

This proposal leverages our current DOT-funded SBIR Phase II project developing software to assist truck drivers and companies to fatigue optimize driver scheduling and route planning. This project will build a set of web-services specially designed to provide objective quantitative feedback to truck drivers, dispatchers, and safety managers about fatigue from fatigue stressors common in trucking (e.g. chronic sleep restriction, extended duty hours, night work). The first web service is an aid for drivers to optimize their route planning relative to fatigue and HOS guidelines. When integrated into their in-cab Telematics offering it can provide drivers with guidance about optimal times to drive, when to take a break, and sleep. It will also include an embedded database of rest stops to help the drivers preplan their trip and avoid hunting for rest stops. The second web service will provide a dashboard of driver fatigue scores in the context of vehicle performance data (received from their telematics system). Dispatchers and safety managers will have real-time quantitative data about driver fatigue correlated with business metrics such as HOS violations, speeding, hard braking, fuel efficiency, etc. This fatigue dashboard will help proactively manage fatigue habits for safety and performance benefits. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Results. The intended benefits include Increased drivers alertness while driving, Increased career and company satisfaction – Greatly reducing driver turnover and the ensuing recruiting/retraining costs, Improved safety (e.g. fewer accidents), Reduced maintenance burden (e.g., fewer hard braking events), Improved fuel efficiency resulting from more alert drivers, Reduced on-the-job injuries (during loading and other non-driving activities), Improved customer relations by reducing driver negative affect associated with fatigue, Reduced insurance premiums