STUDY * Australia - Depressed drivers more likely to crash

Research: Many truck drivers suffer from depression and they are up to six times more likely to have an accident if they are depressed

Brisbane,Queensland,Australia -abc.net.au, by Dina Rosendorff -August 25, 2009: ... The work is exhausting, lonely and stressful so it is little wonder that a recent report into the mental health of truck drivers found that the transport industry takes a heavy toll on its employees... An author of the study into truck drivers' mental health, Professor Harvey Whiteford from the University of Queensland, says deadlines are one of the driving forces behind on the job stress... Mark Colvin of The Australian Trucking Association, wants drivers screened for depression when they undergo drivers' licence medical tests... It's written to the National Transport Commission which is reviewing medical guidelines for drivers and rail workers... But the submission has angered the Transport Workers Union and the Mental Health Council of Australia... They say the move would provoke discrimination and wouldn't do anything to help improve the stressful conditions which drivers face... The National Transport Commission expects to introduce its revised medical guidelines next year... (Picture from thefuntimesguide: Oversized loads truck driver)