Analysis of Risks and Safety Considerations in Oversize Transport, Incorporating an Original Concept for an Intelligent Driver Condition Monitoring System
Purpose: This paper aims to identify and evaluate the principal risk factors contributing to road accidents in oversize transport and to propose practical measures for improving transport safety. Particular attention is devoted to the influence of human, technical, infrastructural, and organisational factors on accident occurrence, as well as to the presentation of an original concept for an intelligent driver condition monitoring system integrated with modern vehicle telematics. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, legal regulations, and statistical data concerning road accidents involving heavy goods vehicles in Poland and the European Union. The research includes an analysis of accident trends for the period 2019–2024, selected case studies of oversize transport accidents, and a conceptual proposal for an intelligent safety system integrating biometric monitoring of the driver with vehicle telematics and fleet management systems. Findings: The results indicate that although the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles has declined in recent years, such incidents continue to produce disproportionately severe consequences, particularly in terms of fatalities. The dominant accident risk factors include driver errors, fatigue, inadequate route planning, technical failures, improper load securing, and infrastructural limitations. The proposed intelligent driver condition monitoring system, based on continuous analysis of physiological parameters collected by wearable devices and integrated with vehicle telematics, has the potential to enhance early hazard detection, support preventive decision-making, and improve the overall safety of oversize transport operations. Practical Implications: The findings may support transport operators, logistics companies, public authorities, and policymakers in developing more effective safety management strategies for oversize transport. The proposed monitoring system may complement existing road safety procedures by enabling real-time assessment of driver fitness, improving operational supervision, reducing accident risk, and contributing to more efficient transport planning and fleet management. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in combining a comprehensive analysis of accident risk factors in oversize transport with the presentation of an original concept for an intelligent driver condition monitoring system. The proposed solution integrates wearable biometric technologies, telematics, GPS, digital tachographs, and fleet management platforms into a unified safety framework, offering a novel direction for the development of intelligent transport systems and proactive risk management in oversize road transport.