The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the influence of the driver's stress on the vehicle safety. This analysis concerns through one aspect of the active safety because of the possibility for reducing accidents when the capabilities of the drivers will be kept at the best level. Some anatomic regions of the body have been taken into consideration and analysed in terms of incorrect posture which will produce stress. The regions analysed are the head including cervical spine, trunk and pelvis, upper and lower limbs. The aspects of the posture related to the distribution of the mechanical loads, both static and dynamic, have been analyzed. The incorrect posture will modify the distribution of such loads and distribution of such loads and consequently will produce stress. Even though a deep analysis of biomechanics of the body regions taken into consideration, would involve more time, it is attempted to put down the guidelines and concepts for evaluating the relationship between load and posture. Therefore, the mathematical aspects and formulas involved have been kept to the minimum. It is concluded that a sound choice of the geometry of the seat, the steering, brake and clutch is fundamental for reducing stress and improving the car safety. (A)
Abstract