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Development of fatigue symptoms during simulated driving
T Nilsson1, T M Nelson, D Carlson
1Psychology Department, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|July 1, 1997
Summary
People reach critical fatigue levels at different rates, not necessarily due to varying tolerance. Monitoring fatigue symptoms can help workers recognize when rest is needed to avoid hazards.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Factors
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Ancient survival may have necessitated ignoring fatigue.
- Modern fatigue, even without physical strain, can reduce sensitivity to its warning signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if monitoring fatigue symptoms aids drivers and workers in recognizing the need for rest.
- To objectively measure fatigue development during simulated driving.
Main Methods:
- Participants drove a simulator, with fatigue development measured by time to voluntary cessation.
- A fatigue checklist was used to assess subjective fatigue levels.
- Data analysis involved averaging fatigue scores backward from the quitting time.
Main Results:
- Subjective fatigue levels were similar regardless of how long participants drove before quitting.
- Individuals appear to reach a critical fatigue level at different rates, rather than differing in tolerance.
- Symptom development paralleled overall fatigue progression.
Conclusions:
- Fatigue tolerance may be more uniform across individuals than the rate at which critical fatigue levels are reached.
- Monitoring specific fatigue symptoms could be a valuable tool for hazard avoidance in safety-critical roles.