Evaluating driver drowsiness countermeasures

Abstract

The results indicate that simple in-vehicle countermeasures, such as an auditory-visual coffee cup icon, can reduce the frequency of drowsy lane departures in the context of relatively short drives. An important next step is to evaluate the impact of drowsiness countermeasures in the context of longer, multiple-hour drives. In these cases, it may not be possible to keep drivers awake via feedback warnings and it is important to understand whether countermeasures prompt drivers to stop to rest. The next phase of this research project will examine the role of drowsiness countermeasures over longer drives using a protocol that replicates the motivational conditions of drowsy driving.