Driver fatigue is associated with increased lane position variability, decreased response time and increased crash rate. Collision avoidance systems (CASs), which are currently installed in many vehicles, have been shown to reduce the crash rates of alert drivers. The current investigation examined the effectiveness of two auditory CAS warnings for reducing crash rates in fatigued young and older drivers faced with a potential rear-end collision. Relative to a no-warning condition, auditory CAS warnings reduced overall crash probability. The presence of a CAS warning was particularly beneficial to reducing crashes in older drivers. Results of this study indicate that auditory CAS warnings may help reduce fatigue-related rear-end crashes, particularly among older drivers. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting