Driving is the most common form of commuting for workers, yet it remains one of the most dangerous modes of travel. Unsafe driving behaviours significantly contribute to road traffic accidents, making these incidents a regular feature in the news. While distractions, microsleep, and drunk driving are often cited as causes, a surprising factor might also be at play: an individual’s occupation.
Road accidents in the news have become a regular occurrence, as these incidents happen daily. Road or traffic accidents may occur due to multiple factors, including distraction while driving, microsleep, and even drunk driving. However, if we delve deeper into what causes all this, you may be surprised to learn that an individual’s occupation could be a contributing factor.
According to Jonathan Bryce, Head of the IELTS Training Centre at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts (FELA) at INTI International University and his team of researchers, irregular work hours and high stress levels can lead to drowsiness and reckless driving.
A recent study conducted by Jonathan Bryce, Head of the IELTS Training Centre at the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts (FELA) at INTI International University, with other esteemed professionals has shed light on the driving behaviours of nurses during their commutes. This research is particularly intriguing as it explores the often-overlooked link between a person’s profession and driving habits. According to Jonathan, “Driving is a complex task; it involves a combination of both physical and mental health, with safety depending very much on the wellbeing of the driver.”
His study revealed that several occupational factors could influence driving behaviours, particularly in professions with irregular schedules. These factors include:
• Irregular and inconsistent work hours
• Stress level
• Mental distraction
• Demanding work with long hours
Jonathan also noted, “Shift work can result in fatigue, reduced alertness, and disrupted sleep patterns, which may increase the likelihood of drowsy driving and impaired driving performance”. Professions with high demands, like nurses, engineers working shifts or 24-hour technicians, are prone to these effects.
Shift work or irregular schedules can result in fatigue, negatively impacting alertness and decision-making while driving.
These occupational stressors can lead to adverse driving outcomes, such as drowsy driving, reckless driving, carelessness, and mind wandering. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions. Understanding the relationship between occupational factors and driving behaviours is crucial for developing these interventions, which can significantly improve road safety for all commuters.
For Malaysians, recognising the impact of their job on their driving is essential for balancing work demands with personal safety. So yes, your occupation could influence how you drive and ultimately determine your safety.
Nurses and healthcare workers with irregular schedules and high physical and mental demands may experience changes in their driving behaviour.