Examining Driver Alertness as a Mediator between Work Fatigue and Driver Behaviours among Malaysian Drivers

Road accidents remain a significant concern in Malaysia, highlighting the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to unsafe driving behaviours. This study examines the relationship between work fatigue, driver alertness, and risky driving behaviours, with a focus on whether driver alertness acts as a mediator in this relationship. Grounded in the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, the study examines how excessive job demands lead to work fatigue, which in turn may influence driving behaviours, while Cognitive Load Theory explores the role of driver alertness in this relationship. A quantitative mediation design was employed, utilizing data from 271 employed drivers aged 25 to 54 who regularly navigate high-traffic areas in Malaysia, including Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Selangor. Participants completed online surveys incorporating the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and Driver Behaviour Questionnaire. Results revealed that work fatigue significantly predicts risky driving behaviours and that driver alertness significantly influences risky driving behaviours. However, driver alertness did not mediate the relationship between work fatigue and risky driving behaviours, suggesting the involvement of other mediators such as cognitive domains. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in road safety and occupational health by validating the JD-R model and challenging aspects of Cognitive Load Theory within the context of driving behaviours.