The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA Ltd) in partnership with the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) today announced the “Eyes on Fatigue” project which will involve a 24-month trial of in-vehicle driver monitoring technology.

The project is being funded by MAIC and will measure the effectiveness of driver monitoring technology in reducing the incidence of driver distraction, inattention and fatigue episodes.  MAIC have engaged Griffith University’s Dr Darren Wishart to conduct the project research and evaluation.

The “Eyes on Fatigue” project will be utilizing the Gen 2 Guardian Seeing Machines Systems hardware in the trial.  The QTA are now seeking expressions of interest from road freight operators who wish to participate in the project.

Neil Singleton, Insurance Commissioner at MAIC said his organisation was pleased to be able to fund this trial and evaluation of driver monitoring technology in the heavy vehicle industry.  “We are keen to support research which reduces the incidence and severity of motor vehicle crashes. We are particularly encouraged that the heavy vehicle industry, through the QTA is taking the lead on such a significant project.  We are also pleased to be able to fund the project evaluation to be undertaken by Dr Wishart who has expertise in Organisational Driving Safety Systems Analysis” he said.

Gary Mahon, QTA Ltd CEO said the learnings and evaluation of the project will be shared with industry and the heavy vehicle regulators.

“It’s exciting to trial the use of this product in the road freight industry as there is growing evidence around the danger of driver distraction/inattention and the link to near misses, accidents, safety critical events and even fatalities”

“We are pleased to be able to offer our industry the opportunity to trial new technologies.  This project will boost the Associations arguments for more flexibility in the law for operators who invest in and effectively manage the use of this type of technology.” he said.

Dr Darren Wishart from Griffith University said he was pleased to be part of the project and looks forward to engaging with the heavy vehicle operators and drivers.  “As well as assessing the effectiveness of the technology to avert on road crashes, the evaluation will also take account of off-road factors impacting on drivers at the time of an event.  These factors can include time schedules, family related issues, health and well-being, workloads or recreational activities during scheduled downtime or days off.“ he said.

For operators interested in participating in the trial, please register details via the expression of interest on the QTA website.

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