Mathematical Model to Predict Drivers%26apos; Reaction Speeds

作者：Long Benjamin L; Gillespie A Isabella; Tanaka Martin L^*

来源：Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 2012, 28(1): 48-56.

DOI：10.1123/jab.28.1.48

• neuromuscular control
• reaction speed
• mathematical model
• cellular phone
• texting

Mental distractions and physical impairments can increase the risk of accidents by affecting a driver%26apos;s ability to control the vehicle. In this article, we developed a linear mathematical model that can be used to quantitatively predict drivers%26apos; performance over a variety of possible driving conditions. Predictions were not limited only to conditions tested, but also included linear combinations of these tests conditions. Two groups of 12 participants were evaluated using a custom drivers%26apos; reaction speed testing device to evaluate the effect of cell phone talking, texting, and a fixed knee brace on the components of drivers%26apos; reaction speed. Cognitive reaction time was found to increase by 24% for cell phone talking and 74% for texting. The fixed knee brace increased musculoskeletal reaction time by 24%. These experimental data were used to develop a mathematical model to predict reaction speed for an untested condition, talking on a cell phone with a fixed knee brace. The model was verified by comparing the predicted reaction speed to measured experimental values from an independent test. The model predicted full braking time within 3% of the measured value. Although only a few influential conditions were evaluated, we present a general approach that can be expanded to include other types of distractions, impairments, and environmental conditions.

• 出版日期2012-2