CAA and lobby group want action on driver fatigue

Citing a member survey, the Canadian Automobile Association said that fatigue on the 401 and other major highways poses a larger danger than aggressive driving and urged the government take further action on the issue.

CAA Ontario spokesperson David Leonhardt said the findings support demand for further public education of the dangers of fatigue, infrastructure improvements to the 401 between London and Windsor, and more rest stops where drivers can park, stretch and nap. Leonhardt said that the rest areas should be directly on the 401, adding that if carriers have to search for a rest stop, they’ll likely keep on driving.

Meanwhile, disappointed over what they call, “Ottawa’s refusal to hold open hearings on this matter affecting the safety of all road users,” Canadians for Responsible and Safe Highways (CRASH)-a lobby group with close ties to the rail industry-has announced they will hold their own Truck Driver Workload consultation forum in Toronto next week.