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Affiliation
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Key Lab of Traffic Engineering , Beijing University of Technology , Beijing , 100124 , P. R. China , E-mail: hongji_du@hotmail.com. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: This paper examines the effects of fatigue on driving performance under different roadway geometries using a driving simulator.
METHODS: Twenty-four participants each completed a driving scenario twice: while alert and while experiencing fatigue. The driving scenario was comprised of straight road segments and curves; there were six curves with 3 radius values (i.e., 200m, 500m and 800m) and 2 turning directions (i.e., left and right). Analysis was conducted on driving performance measures such as longitudinal speed, steering wheel movements and lateral position.
RESULTS: Results confirmed that decremental changes in driving performance due to fatigue varied among road conditions. On straight segments drivers' abilities to steer and maintain lane position were impaired, whereas on curves we found decremental changes in the quality of longitudinal speed as well as steering control and keeping the vehicle in the lane. Moreover, the effects of fatigue on driving performance were relative to the radius and direction of the curve. Fatigue impaired drivers' ability to control the steering wheel, and the impairment proved more obvious on curves. The degree varied significantly as the curve radius changed. Drivers tended to drive closer to the right side due to fatigue, and the impairment in maintaining lane position became more obvious as the right-turn curve radius decreased.
CONCLUSIONS: Driver fatigue has detrimental effects on driving performance, and the effects differ under different roadway geometries.
Language: en |