Citation

Gibbs CB. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1970; 11(1967): 201-227.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1970, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The human brain is the most complicated control system on earth, but little is known of the operational methods that are used within the central nervous system. However, recent research on biological control mechanisms has produced findings and inventions of potential social value in reducing traffic accidents. Many lethal weapons have been produced by intent but none has approached the mortality rate achieved incidentally by the automobile. This mass slaughter may be attributed in part to faults in the design of vehicles and traffic systems, but the main blame undoubtedly rests on the automobile driver.

Better training methods and more rigorous examinations for driver licenses are partial solutions. Punitive legislation directed against impaired drivers may serve as a deterrent, but scientific discovery and better methods of measurement are needed before existing legislation on dangerous driving can be improved. A driver may be impaired by many different forms of psychological stress and there are few scientific data on the absolute and relative severity of their various effects.

Stress is defined as a force that can produce strain or distortion in a system. Stress can be applied to human beings by the use of alcohol, drugs, or by fatigue, frustration, or many other influences. It is extremely difficult to detect impairment in actual performance because increased expenditure of energy or effort may mask the effects of stress upon the aspects of behavior that are readily observed and measured.

In an effort to derive sensitive measures of the effects of stress, an instrument called the "Stressalyzer" was developed to provide a rapid and simple test of a person's ability to control a machine. This paper discusses the instrument and its application.