DROWSINESS AND DRIVING IN A MIDDLE AGED POPULATION

A population of middle aged and older drivers was screened for physical problems or psychological traits that might pre-dispose the individuals toward difficulties in staying alert while driving. The incidence of middle aged and elderly drivers admitting to drowsiness while driving is high. This appears related to maleness, yearly mileage logged, and long trip driving. Cattell personality testing revealed no consistent group of personality traits which correlates with getting drowsy. Subjects who handled drowsiness especially poorly (that is, falling asleep) did show a low factor C which measures emotionality, tendency to worry, give up, and evade responsibility. Many physical factors were examined, but all failed to reveal a consistent pattern of physical defect in the drowsiness group.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at International Automotive Engineering Congress, Detroit, Michigan, January 8-12, 1973.
• Corporate Authors:

  Duke University

  Medical Center
  Durham, NC  United States  27710
• Authors:
  • Gianturco, D
  • Ramm, D
  • Erwin, W
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 5 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Aged drivers; Alertness; Driver performance; Drivers; Males; Personnel performance; Psychological aspects
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver age
• Old TRIS Terms: Male drivers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00084313
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 730123
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 22 1975 12:00AM