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Driver Performance Due to Head Congestion in High Altitude Trip

This study explores a driver’s performance issues related to head congestion during a high altitude trip, leading to an accident. Factors like obstructive sleep apnea and inadequate sleep quality are analyzed. The DriveCam II data and passenger reports provide insights into the incident, indicating reduced situational awareness and slowed reactions. The study concludes with recommendations for improving driver performance under similar conditions.

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Driver Performance Due to Head Congestion in High Altitude Trip

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  1. Human Performance Dennis Collins

  2. Human Performance Issues • General information • Driver’s head congestion • Accident trip • DriveCam II data • Summary

  3. General Driver Information • Valid license, years of experience • 71 years old with valid medical certificate • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in personal medical records • Reported head congestion in the 3 days prior to accident trip

  4. Driver’s Head Congestion • Runny nose, head congestion • Driver believed he had cold • 7,000+ foot altitude change • Consistent with altitude sickness • Congestion interfered with use of CPAP device while in Telluride • Sleep quality poor

  5. The Accident Trip • Awoke 6:45 a.m., began trip at 3:15 p.m. • Stopped to remove chains from bus • Interviewed passengers said: • Drifted onto shoulder • Steering caused objects to slide • Passengers concerned about speed

  6. DriveCam II System • Forward view • Audio • Forward/lateral acceleration • Interior view • No hands, steering wheel • 20 seconds (10 before crash)

  7. DriveCam II Interior Video • Cannot tell if driver showing signs of fatigue • Two steering inputs to the left • Objects in motorcoach move and passengers react • Driver only reacts as crash occurs–after passengers

  8. Summary • Reduced quality sleep 3 nights prior to crash • Long day with long period of vigilance • Vehicle’s excessive speed • Reduced situational awareness • Slowed/delayed reactions

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