Citation

Cardoso M, Fulton F, Callaghan JP, Johnson M, Albert WJ. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2019; 25(3): 344-354.

Affiliation

Faculty of Kinesiology , University of New Brunswick , Fredericton , NB.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2018.1491666

PMID

29952733

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this research study was to evaluate changes in fatigue, stress and vigilance amongst commercially licensed truck drivers involved in a prolonged driving task. The secondary purpose was to determine if a new ergonomic seat could help reduce both physical and cognitive fatigue during a prolonged driving task. Two different truck seats were evaluated: industrial standard seat and a new truck seat prototype.

METHODS: Twenty male truck drivers were recruited to attend two testing sessions, on two separate days with each session randomized for seat design. During each session participants perform two 10-minute simulated driving tasks. Between simulated sessions participants drove a long-haul truck for 90-minutes. Fatigue and stress were quantified using a series of questionnaires whereas vigilance was measured using a standardized computer test.

RESULTS: Seat interactions had a significant effect on fatigue patterns. The new ergonomic seat design holds potential in improving road safety and vehicle accidents due to fatigue related accidents.

Language: en

Keywords

cognitive ergonomics; driving; fatigue; stress; vigilance