The current study summarised in this chapter investigated the differential effect of fatigue upon field dependent and field independent individual drivers. Specifically, the study examined the differences between field independent and field dependent subjects in: (1) fatigue impairment of selective attention; and (2) subjective fatigue. Experimental results identify how fatigue may affect attention of field independent drivers relative to field dependent drivers. Whereas general remedial action may benefit field dependent drivers in being more attentive to critical hazards, it seems that specific intervention may be required for field independent drivers when fatigued. The apparent differences in the basis of subjective fatigue between field dependent and independent groups suggests that diagnoses of performance based DSM systems will be perceived less favourable by field dependent subjects. Field independent drivers may be expected to be more aware of performance impairment with fatigue than field dependent drivers. This has safety implications as well as consequences for user acceptance of DSM systems.
Abstract