New research into the effects of the truck driver fatigue rules will improve safety, the Chair of the Australian Trucking Association, Noelene Watson, said today.

The research project will monitor a sample of drivers during their real-life work shifts, and then in a laboratory during simulated shifts.

The project is a joint initiative between the Co-operative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity, the National Transport Commission, road agencies, police and industry. The ATA is a member of the project steering committee, which held its first meeting today.