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AN INVESTIGATION OF THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF LOW LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND ALCOHOL ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE

This thesis reports the findings of a portion of a study on the effects of carbon monoxide and alcohol on driving abilities, considering the degradant levels alcohol concentration. A literature review of the physiological and psychological effects of carbon monoxide and alcohol on man, with special emphasis on driving and related skills, and their involvement in relation to traffic accidents is also discussed. Findings of the research are discussed in terms of : (1) driver control and vehicle response measures; (2) visual spare capacity measures; and (3) visual behavior measures in car following and open road freeway driving. The research did not indicate many statistically significant findings in the strict sense of the word, but did indicate some trends, significant at 12% but not 8%, in terms of the percent changes of the mean, which might indicate the existence of a threshold phenomenon present somewhere between 8 and 12% COHb. While the CO level considered was fairly representative of levels encountered in may driving situations, the alcohol level was rather conservative for social drinkers. Suggestions for future research, both in terms of higher alcohol concentration, and other physiological variables are given.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Ohio State University, Columbus

    Department of Industrial and System Engineering
    Columbus, OH  United States  43210
  • Authors:
    • Harshman, D J
  • Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 126 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00153846
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Thesis
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM