Development of models for on-board detection of driver impairment

Two of the leading causes of automobile accidents are driver impairment due to alcohol and drowsiness. Apparently, a relatively large percentage of these accidents occur because drivers are unaware of the degree to which they are impaired. The purpose of this research was to develop models, utilizing changes in driver behavior, which could detect driver impairment due to alcohol, drowsiness, or the combination of alcohol and drowsiness, and which could be practically implemented in an automobile. A computer-controlled automobile simulator was used to simulate a nighttime highway driving scenario for six drivers who participated in each of four conditions: a control condition, an alcohol condition, a sleep-deprived condition, and a combined alcohol and sleep-deprived condition. The results indicated that a useful on-board drowsiness detection device is possible and practical for highway driving. The results also showed that on-board alcohol impairment detection may be possible at levels below the legal driving limit in most states (BAC 0.1%).