Detecting Driver Fatigue by Steering Wheel Grip Force

Abstract

Driver fatigue is a major cause of fatal road accidents and has significant implications in road safety. In recent years, researchers have investigated steering wheel grip force as an alternative method to detect driver fatigue noninvasively and in real time. In this study, a fatigue detection system was developed by monitoring the grip force and changes in the grip force were measured while participants’ engaged in an interactive simulated driving task. The study also measured the participants’ subjective sleepiness to ensure the validity of measuring grip force. The results indicated that while participants engaged in a driving task, steering wheel grip force decreased and subjective sleepiness increased concurrently over time. The possible applications of the driver fatigue detection system by steering wheel grip force and future guidelines are discussed.