Identification of critical road infrastructure by analysing physiological data obtained from multiple test drives

Abstract

The workload of drivers varies due to influences of the environment and the actions of other traffic participants. The resulting strain for the drivers depends on how they can handle with that situation. In this study the infrastructure based workload is separated from other sources of strain and is analysed in some depth. Physiological data of test drivers is examined to get an objective marker of the driver’s strain. Aggregating the data from multiple test drivers allows identifying infrastructure combinations which have a high potential of inducing strain to drivers. To analyse the data properly and moreover to allow for a straightforward visualization of the main results, a geodetic information system (GIS) is used. Such a system enables an intuitive and fast interpretation of the huge amount of information in the data base.