Effect of Active and Passive Fatigue on Performance Using a Driving Simulator

The present study investigated the effects of active fatigue (e.g., elevated distress) and passive fatigue (e.g., decreased task engagement) on driving performance. The study used similar manipulations developed by Saxby et al. (2007), which were shown to induce active and passive fatigue states. 168 undergraduates participated. There were 3 conditions (active, passive, control) and 2 durations (10, 30 minutes). The active condition used simulated wind gusts to increase the required number of steering and acceleration changes, while the passive condition was fully automated. In the control condition, drivers were in full control of steering and acceleration. Data confirmed that, over time, passive fatigue is expressed as decreasing task engagement. Furthermore, drivers in the passive condition had slower response times to an unexpected event and were more likely to crash than those in the active and control conditions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.