Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Driving Simulation in the Clinic: Testing Visual Exploratory Behavior in Daily Life Activities in Patients with Visual Field Defects
Published on: September 18, 2012
Drivers' misjudgement of vigilance state during prolonged monotonous daytime driving
Eike A Schmidt1, Michael Schrauf, Michael Simon
1Daimler AG, Research and Development, HPC H602, Leibnizstr. 2, D-71032 Böblingen, Germany. eikeandreas.schmidt@uni-duesseldorf.de
Abstract:
To investigate the effects of monotonous daytime driving on vigilance state and particularly the ability to judge this state, a real road driving study was conducted. To objectively assess vigilance state, performance (auditory reaction time) and physiological measures (EEG: alpha spindle rate, P3 amplitude; ECG: heart rate) were recorded continuously. Drivers judged sleepiness, attention to the driving task and monotony retrospectively every 20 min. Results showed that prolonged daytime driving under monotonous conditions leads to a continuous reduction in vigilance. Towards the end of the drive, drivers reported a subjectively improved vigilance state, which was contrary to the continued decrease in vigilance as indicated by all performance and physiological measures. These findings indicate a lack of self-assessment abilities after approximately 3h of continuous monotonous daytime driving.
Related Concept Videos
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness
The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic
Narcolepsy
The Availability Heuristic
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sight Distance in a Vertical Curve

