Traffic conditions and their impact on the functional state of the bus driver

Abstract

Problem. The study of the human factor in transport systems is increasingly important, given the rapid level of motorization and the development of the transport industry in general. Accordingly, there is a task of ensuring the appropriate traffic safety level. Today, in this area, the road conditions and the road`s design parameters are usually taken into account, but often miss the role of the "human factor". At the same time, with the development of methodologies and technical items, these issues are partly researched and solved. Thus, during considering issues related to traffic safety, it is necessary to pay attention to the drivers` functional state (FS) and psychophysiological qualities, their reliability, factors of negative impact on their body, etc. Goal. The research aims to establish how the bus driver`s FS changes under the influence of various traffic conditions` factors. Methodology. The approaches adopted in the paper, which are necessary to solve the goal, are based on theoretical and practical principles for determining the indicators of a human`s FS during professional activity, their regulatory values, allowable ranges of change, etc. Results. The obtained mathematical and graphical dependences take into account the change of transport process operator`s FS under the influence of such factors as the bus`s speed, the altitude of the highway and the duration of the driver work. The stress index (SI) is selected as the driver`s status indicator. It is established that its values range from 87 to 342 c.u. It was studied that the increase in speed leads to an increase in the driver's SI by about 35%. During the statistical data analysis, it was also found that the highest values of SI were observed on sections of roads at an altitude of 250 - 320 m and 420 - 500 m. At the same time, during the increase of the driver's work duration, the value of the SI increased by about 25% and could approach the value of 250 c.u. In accordance with the above, it can be argued that there is an influence of the driver`s driving conditions and work on his FS. Originality. The obtained regularities reflect the impact of drivers' working conditions on the value of their FS, which affects the probability of their accident-free operation and, as a result, traffic safety. Practical value. The obtained results allow the creation of recommendations for developing schedules of drivers` work and rest taking into account the traffic conditions on the route and the conditions of driver's work.