The effect of three low-cost engineering treatments on driver fatigue: A driving simulator study

Merat, Natasha; Jamson, A. Hamish · 2013 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.09.017

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Summary

This study investigates the efficacy of three low-cost road engineering treatments—variable message signs (VMS), chevrons, and transverse rumble strips—in mitigating driver fatigue. Motivated by the high prevalence of fatigue-related crashes on monotonous highways and the limitations of current driver- and vehicle-based countermeasures, the research aims to determine if visual and tactile road interventions can alleviate fatigue symptoms. The study specifically targets two high-risk demographic groups: young male shift workers experiencing sleep loss and older male drivers experiencing circadian dips. The experimental design utilized a driving simulator to assess 33 male participants across two visits: a baseline session when drivers were alert, and an experimental session when they were fatigued. Fatigue was induced by having shift workers drive immediately after night shifts and older drivers drive during the post-lunch dip. Participants drove a simulated 54 km monotonous motorway. After approximately 48 km, they encountered one of the three treatments over a 3 km stretch. The order of treatments was counterbalanced. Objective measures included eye tracking (PERCLOS, measuring percentage of eyes closed) and lateral driving performance (Standard Deviation of Lane Position [SDLP] and High Frequency Steering [HFS]). Subjective alertness was also recorded. Results confirmed that drivers were significantly more fatigued during the experimental visit, evidenced by increased PERCLOS and lateral deviation compared to baseline. While there was no marked statistical difference in effectiveness between the three treatments, all interventions produced temporary reductions in fatigue indicators. PERCLOS decreased significantly in the section immediately following the treatments. HFS also decreased after encountering any treatment, indicating stabilized steering. However, SDLP responses varied: rumble strips reduced lateral deviation, whereas chevrons increased it, likely due to drivers attempting to track the markings. Subjective reports indicated that while drivers perceived the treatments as alerting, the effect was short-lived, with alertness levels declining progressively across the three experimental drives. The findings suggest that low-cost engineering measures can temporarily alleviate fatigue-related impairments by reducing environmental monotony, particularly on long, straight roads. However, the transient nature of these effects highlights the need for further research into the optimal frequency and combination of such treatments to sustain driver alertness. The study supports the integration of these road-based measures alongside existing strategies to enhance road safety.

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Topics

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• perceptual countermeasures
• drowsiness detection algorithms
• truck driver fatigue
• time on task
• drowsiness
• vigilance

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: physiological data
• Methodological Resource: tool software, validation psychometrics