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. 2023 Jul;38(4):e2870.
doi: 10.1002/hup.2870. Epub 2023 Jun 8.

The impact of alcohol consumption on commercial eye blink drowsiness detection technology

Jennifer M Cori  1   2   3 , Vanessa E Wilkinson  1   2 , Melinda Jackson  1   2   3 , Justine Westlake  1   2 , Bronwyn Stevens  1   2 , Maree Barnes  1   2   4 , Philip Swann  5 , Mark E Howard  1   2   3   4
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The impact of alcohol consumption on commercial eye blink drowsiness detection technology

Jennifer M Cori et al. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Driver drowsiness detection technology that assesses eye blinks is increasingly being used as a safety intervention in the transport industry. It is unclear how alcohol consumption to common legal driving limits impacts upon this technology. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05% and of 0.08% on drowsiness detection technology during simulated driving.

Methods: Participants completed a 60-min driving simulation and sleepiness questionnaire under three conditions: 1-0.00% BAC, 2-0.05% BAC and 3-0.08% BAC. During the driving simulation task participants wore a commercial eye blink drowsiness detection technology (Optalert) with the drowsiness alarms silenced.

Results: Twelve participants (3 female) completed all alcohol conditions. Relative to baseline, all eye blink parameters were affected at 0.08% BAC (all p < 0.05), whereas 0.05% BAC only affected the composite eye blink drowsiness measure (the Johns Drowsiness Scale).

Conclusions: Alcohol consumption to 0.08% BAC impaired eye blink measures to a level that would be considered a moderate drowsiness risk. Therefore, employers should be aware that drowsiness alerts from these technologies may increase after alcohol consumption.

Keywords: alcohol; driving; drowsiness; eye blink; fatigue; sleepiness.

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References

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