Tired, stressed drivers can be a source of danger on the road, and there are plenty of them among handymen and home care and home health care workers. This is shown by a new study from VTI.
What distinguishes the new VTI study is that previous studies of the same average have mainly looked at bus and truck drivers, which are two professional groups that are subject to rules regarding driving and rest periods.
The new study instead looks at craftsmen and employees in home health care and home care. These two professional groups often drive a lot, but are not affected by these rules.
Read more: When does a car become tax exempt? Here is the answer
Craftsmen drive fast and load unsafely
According to the VTI study, speeding is a risky behavior that tradespeople engage in to a greater extent than home care staff. Four out of ten craftsmen state that they drive over the speed limit “if it feels safe”.
The study also found that as many as 36 percent of the tradesmen’s cars are not properly equipped for the safe anchoring of loads, and that many tradesmen do not bother to anchor loose objects that could pose a traffic hazard.
– The lack of load anchoring is a result that stands out. Although there is the possibility of secure anchoring, many people do not care about it, says project manager Anna Anund.
Read more: When should I inspect the car? Then you will find the answer
Stress and fatigue a problem for Home Services
The study also found that the craftsmen generally drive longer distances than the home service, but on fewer occasions. 30 percent of the craftsmen report moderate or major problems with pain and muscle tension, 30 percent report problems with pain in the lower back.
37 percent of tradespeople state that they get too little sleep, and 15 percent state that at least 2 to 4 times in the past month they had to struggle to stay awake.
However, these numbers look worse for home care and home health care workers, of whom a whopping 58 percent report getting too little sleep and 23 percent have had to struggle to stay awake 2 to 4 times in the past month.
Of the care staff, 49 percent have problems with pain or muscle tension, and 46 percent have pain in the lower back.
– For managers, it is very important to consider the work environment and see the trips as part of the work. It is also important to take into account the driving time in the scheduling, says Anna Anund.
Read more: The most frugal diesel car: The brands with the lowest and highest consumption
Read more: The most fuel-efficient car: The brands with the lowest and highest consumption