DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE EFFECT OF LIGHT SIGNALS ON THE DRIVER'S LEVEL OF ALERTNESS

Based on observations of a previous driver alertness study over long distances this study ascertains the eventual effects on the alertness of the driver of natural stimulations from his surrounding, particularly headlights of other vehicles. A controlled experiment course was chosen, where the E. E. G. was recorded and analyzed. Electrophysical signals were transmitted by the telemeasure to the vehicle, there amplified, recorded and results taken. Physiological impressions were controlled on an oscilloscope. Seven subjects ran the Montlhery course at 120 km/h between 8 PM and 12 AM, four successive phases of 45 minutes each. A vehicle was used to simulate oncoming traffic. In general evoked responses are weaker after rather than before the light signals. On a monotonous road at night headlights of oncoming cars produce a reduction in the extent of evoked auditory potentials. A stability in them was witnessed during rest periods in the laboratory and during the driving test lacking light stimuli. Each lighted element on the highway constitutes a guide, a fixed point to look at and a stimulant on the attention of the drivers. /SRIS/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at Fifth Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, Amsterdam, June 1973.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Society of Road Safety

  Avenue du General Malleret-Joinville PO Box 28, Arcueil
  Val de Marne, 94,   France 
• Authors:
  • Lecret, F
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 9 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver performance; Drivers; Driving simulators; Electroencephalography; Ergonomics; Headlamps; Hearings; Light; Personnel performance; Reaction time; Stimulants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver reaction
• Old TRIS Terms: Electroencephalographs
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00084400
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 2 1975 12:00AM