Effectiveness of Wearable Devices to Study Driving Stress of Long-haul Truck Drivers in Naturalistic Driving Systems

Advancements in wearable technology, driven by innovations in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, have significantly expanded our ability to monitor health and safety in various domains, including transportation. In this age of big data, the continuous collection and analysis of physiological data from wearable devices has opened new avenues for enhancing road safety and driver well-being. This report investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of using wearable technology to monitor fatigue and stress levels among long-haul commercial motor vehicle drivers. The goal of this research is to reduce risks associated with drowsy driving, which is a significant contributor to road accidents worldwide (M. Islam & Mannering, 2023). Wearable technologies, such as the Empatica EmbracePlus smartwatch, offer a promising approach to real-time health monitoring by providing continuous insights into drivers’ physiological states. This study was designed to evaluate the capability of these devices to detect early signs of fatigue and stress, understand the various factors affecting a driver’s well-being, and identify strategies to manage these issues effectively. A repeated measures study design was implemented, collecting comprehensive health data from a sample of 10 long-haul drivers over a 5-day period (i.e., 1 work week), with one driver providing additional data over an extended 4-week period. Data collection involved continuous monitoring of physiological signals, such as heart rate variability and electrodermal activity, supplemented by self-reported information on stress levels, traffic conditions, diet, and other relevant variables through daily questionnaires. The findings from this study highlight the potential of wearable technology to transform driver safety and health management practices. The data collected provided valuable insights into the drivers’ daily experiences and behaviors, revealing patterns related to stress levels, dietary habits, hydration practices, and coping mechanisms. Most participants experienced mild to moderate stress, influenced significantly by traffic conditions and driving durations. The report indicates that wearable technology can provide key insights by enabling continuous monitoring of fatigue and stress levels; this then suggests a potential for early alerts for necessary breaks and prevention of accidents due to drowsy driving. Furthermore, the data generated by these devices can be used to develop personalized interventions that can improve drivers’ health and work conditions. For successful implementation, it is important to address concerns regarding data privacy and usability while creating an environment that encourages the adoption of such technology. Encouraging awareness about the applications of wearable devices and their capabilities in monitoring health information could create such an environment. Future research should focus on refining wearable technologies to enhance user comfort, maintain data security, and explore broader applications within transportation safety related to long-haul drivers.