Citation

Schmidt EA, Schrauf M, Simon M, Fritzsche M, Buchner A, Kincses WE. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2009; 41(5): 1087-1093.

Affiliation

Daimler AG, Research and Development, HPC H602, Leibnizstr. 2, D-71032 Boblingen, Germany. eikeandreas.schmidt@uni-duesseldorf.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2009.06.007

PMID

19664450

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.

Language: en