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Time of day variations in driving performance
M G Lenné1, T J Triggs, J R Redman
1Department of Psychology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Driving performance varies significantly throughout the day, with impairments noted in the early morning and late night. Driving ability improves during daytime hours but shows a dip in the early afternoon.
Area of Science:
- Human Factors
- Chronobiology
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Automobile accidents exhibit a 24-hour pattern, suggesting potential influences like time-of-day variations in driver capabilities.
- Understanding diurnal variations in driving performance is crucial for enhancing road safety and mitigating accident risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of time of day on driving performance and reaction time.
- To identify specific periods with impaired driving abilities and compare them to established risk times.
Main Methods:
- Eleven male subjects operated a driving simulator for 30-minute sessions at six different times of day.
- Participants maintained lane position and constant speed while performing a secondary reaction time task.
- Driving performance metrics (lateral position, speed variability) and subjective mood were recorded.
Main Results:
- Significant diurnal variations were observed in both speed variability and reaction time.
- Driving performance was most impaired during early morning (0600) and late night (0200) hours.
- An early afternoon dip in performance was observed, comparable in magnitude to late-night/early-morning impairments.
Conclusions:
- Driving performance is subject to significant diurnal variations, impacting safety.
- Early afternoon performance decrements pose a risk comparable to those during traditionally recognized high-risk night hours.
- These findings highlight the need to consider circadian rhythms in traffic safety strategies.