Abstract
The project assessed the effectiveness of a prototype driver-alertness device that measures driver response time to a tone. In previous studies response time has been found to be an indicator of fatigue. Fatigue is often a contributing factor to accidents, though the percentage varies greatly with the data base and the method of calculation. Results indicate that participants were most alert while listening to the radio and least alert with nothing. Of the two versions of the device, the greatest levels of alertness were associated with the random mode. A post-test survey led to several suggestions regarding the button, tone, device placement, and other aspects that might be used to improve the prototype.