The National Transport Commission (NTC) wants truck drivers to take part in research around fatigue.

The commission is working with the Co-operative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity to evaluate the Heavy Vehicle National Law’s impact on driver tiredness.

NTC CEO Paul Retter says there is not enough evidence on the causes and impacts of fatigue to make policy changes.

“There is a lack of comparable data and data in general on fatigue risks associated with heavy vehicle driving. We need robust evidence to underpin any future reforms of the fatigue regulations in the [legislation].”

The industry requires more flexibility around fatigue regulation, he says.

The research is to be completed this year and the NTC will present its findings next May.