Workload Transitions in Driving

Driver mental workload is an often studied concept, however less attention is given to the question of transitions in driver workload. Fourteen adult drivers completed a simulated driving task following a navigation system which would fail at certain intervals. Subjective measures of driver workload were taken and demonstrate that the recovery from a driving stressor is asymmetrical and time-delayed. Drivers' subjective ratings of workload remained high after the stressors were removed. Findings and implications are discussed.