ANALYSIS OF PRINCIPAL STRESS FACTORS AFFECTING DRIVERS IN DIFFERENT VEHICLES

Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to compare the effect of the heart rate variabilities on different vehicle drivers. The most common urban transport vehicles (bus, tram and metro) are compared with typical mobile agricultural machines (tractors and combine harvesters) and passenger car. The measurements were focused on the complexity and traffic routes, velocities of each vehicle and ages of drivers related to changes in the heart rate of drivers as main parameters. The authors characterize cardinal factors affecting the contentment of drivers while undertaking their performance. The results of the measurements showed that the lowest mean heart rate value was registered on metro (subway car) drivers scoring 59 bpm, whereas the bus drivers 80 bpm and tram 77 bpm. The mean heart rate value of the combine harvester drivers scored 106 bpm and tractor drivers 108 bpm, which indicates that the driver’s heart rate of the agricultural machineries were significantly greater. The heart rate of tram drivers has increased significantly in a short period of time by 75%, metro (subway) drivers by 59%, combine harvester drivers by 23% and tractor drivers by 19%, whereas the passenger car drivers’ heart rate value increase was by 30%. The driving velocity, drivers’ age and weight showed its effect on the heart rate variabilities. The data collections were made by a heart rate measurement device. Relevant data on technical conditions stretch and shape design routes; as well as the heart rate variabilities on the respective drivers are collected carefully for detail statistical analysis.

Keywords: body weight, driver’s age, heart rate variation, transport route

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.090