The i-DREAMS intervention strategies to reduce driver fatigue and sleepiness for different transport modes

Abstract

Driver sleepiness and fatigue are important contributors to many transport incidents and significantly increase crash risk. Recently, detection systems have been developed which aim to monitor the state of the driver and detect increasing levels of fatigue. However, there has been less focus on appropriate intervention strategies for drivers once fatigue and sleepiness have been detected. This paper describes the i-DREAMS fatigue intervention strategies, which aim to keep drivers within a safe driving zone. Interventions will be provided both in real-time and post-trip and can be customized to be used with a variety of transport modes. Real-time interventions will measure fatigue through trip duration, and driver sleepiness through heart-rate variability (HRV) information, obtained by means of sensors in the steering wheel or a wearable device, and attributed to Karolinska Sleepiness Score (KSS) bands. Thresholds for warnings will map onto phases of a ‘Safety Tolerance Zone’ and will be dynamic – changing as the driver state and driving situation develops. Post-trip interventions will aggregate data throughout the duration of the drive and aim to provide customized feedback and coping tips related to driver levels of fatigue and sleepiness, to improve driving behavior. Goals and challenges will add a gamified aspect to the post-trip interventions. The next stage of the development of the i-DREAMS fatigue intervention strategy is to test the concept in a series of simulator and field trials. Future research should explore acceptance and compliance of interventions and frequency of alerts.