Citation

Collins VP, Maxwell AR, Adams RM. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1966; 10: 1-7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1966, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The studies of street and highway driving grew out of earlier involvement in physiologic observations on race car drivers. The merit of that investigation was that the drivers were subjected to a unique circumstance of prolonged stress with a high emotional response to non-simulated danger and a relatively low component of physical exertion. The physiologic profile utilized in that study seemed to indicate some differences in pattern of cardiovascular responses as between professional and amateur drivers. All subjects showed an elevation of heart rate, commonly exceeding 160 bpm, out of proportion to the physical effort involved. This elevation was remarkable for the precipitous rise and fall coinciding with the start and finish of a race. A comparable observation has been made for aircraft pilots under difficult flying conditions. As an extension of the racing study, and to increase the available number of subjects, attention was directed to individuals engaged in the 'normal' activity of street and highway driving. Preliminary observations indicated a wide range of heart rate patterns with two distinctive patterns at the extremes of observed responses. There are some individuals so responsive to environment that heart rate speeds and slows with every traffic signal and every change in flow of traffic. There is another group, so unresponsive to similar driving conditions that heart rate is maintained at an even level despite the fluctuating demands on attention and effort that occur in heavy traffic. The task of driving on street and highway has certain similarities to that of the race car driver. Apprehension, aggression or competition may be reflected in driving behavior. A two-part study was therefore undertaken. Part I would seek to establish the range of physiologic responses as indicated by monitored heart rate. Part II would seek to establish personality profiles for correlation with classes in Part I.