FATIGUE, WORKLOAD AND ADAPTIVE DRIVER SYSTEMS

This paper is directed to the further understanding of the problems of fatigue and workload and their role in diminishing driving capability . We present a specific strategy designed to defend against the advers e effects of fatigue and workload extremes through the use of adaptive driver systems. To begin, the work presents a brief critique of Musci o's constraints on developing a test of fatigue. In criticizing these constraints, we point to the commonalities between all energetic refle ctions of human performance and use advances in stress theory to expla in the problems of and resolution to the question of fatigue. We link fatigue and chronic workload and use this coadunation as a basis for t he operation of adaptive driver systems which are specifically designe d to combat driving impairment. A specific program is then explained i n detail and illustrations are given as to how an extension of previou s efforts can address the problem of the drowsy and chronically fatigu ed driver. Future recommendations are articulated. (C) 1997 Elsevier S cience Ltd.