ABSTRACT

Fatigue is a serious problem in transportation. Controllers of all types of vehicles, including trains, planes, ships, cars and trucks, are at greater risk of crashing when fatigued. Fatigue affects driving performance in a range of ways, including poorer steering control, speed tracking, visual search and attentional selectivity. Road safety countermeasures for fatigue have in most countries relied on increasing awareness or education. A possible countermeasure for fatigue while driving is therefore to provide drivers with support to detect increasing fatigue, either in themselves or when their driving is becoming adversely affected. Effective countermeasures to prevent driver fatigue at the start of even short journeys are essential. A range of physiological and physical devices is becoming available for the monitoring of driver fatigue. Physical activity or exercise is often suggested as a countermeasure for driver fatigue. Fatigue management strategies on the road involve suggestions of driving limits and advice to people to take regular breaks.