THE EFFECT OF CARBON MONOXIDE ON SEVERAL MEASURES OF VIGILANCE IN A SIMULATED DRIVING TASK

Abstract

Seven volunteer subjects were exposed to low blood levels of CO (6 to 8% COHb) during a two hour vigilance task in a driving simulator subjects under CO were significantly slower in responding to lead car speed changes and nonsmokers made significantly fewer steering wheel corrections. There was no decrement under CO in responding to a dashboard warning light or in maintenance of lane position.