Title: Auditory forward collision warnings reduce crashes associated with task-induced fatigue in young and older drivers

Authors: Carryl L. Baldwin; Jennifer F. May; Raja Parasuraman

Addresses: Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA ' Sentara Norfolk General Sleep Center, 600 Gresham Drive 5B, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA ' Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Abstract: Driver fatigue poses a persistent threat to transportation safety. Auditory warnings provided prior to a potential collision event can reduce crash probability in alert drivers, but it is unclear whether they are effective in fatigued young and older drivers. In the present study fatigue was task-induced in young (18-29 yrs.) and older (65-85 yrs.) licensed drivers via a 1.5 hour simulated car following task. Upon meeting a fatigue criterion - based on individually assessed excessive lane position variability - a single potential collision event was triggered and drivers were either provided an auditory warning or not. The auditory warning significantly reduced overall crash probability and was particularly beneficial in reducing crashes in older drivers. Auditory collisions warnings can reduce fatigue-related rear-end crashes, particularly among older drivers - a population at greater risk of both fatigue and crashes.

Keywords: driver fatigue; auditory warnings; crashes; task-induced fatigue; young drivers; older drivers; driving simulation; in-vehicle technology; forward collision warnings; FCWs; automation; transport safety; vehicle safety; crash probability; lane position variability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2014.067804

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2014 Vol.3 No.2, pp.107 - 121

Received: 10 Jun 2014
Accepted: 06 Sep 2014
Published online: 18 Mar 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article