Driver alert

Driver alert

REACTION times are affected by many factors, such as alcohol, drugs, general medical conditions and tiredness. It seemed a good idea, therefore, to devise a circuit to test reaction times. Unfortunately, during extensive tests using volunteers who consumed large quantities of beer, it was found that sheer reaction time is not greatly affected – particularly if the person is poised waiting for something to happen. This is quite unlike driving a car, where anything can happen at any time, and so concentration and thinking times are critical. Using a dual 7-segment display, the project described here tests the “driver’s” ability to concentrate, think and react. The beer tests now provided more dramatic results. How thinking/reaction time increased progressively with the number of cans of lager consumed .A mobile phone test was also devised, and, surprisingly it was found that speaking on a mobile phone, including a hands-free unit gave similar results to drinking four cans of lager. The results for several people are also illustrated. The Driver Alert allows drivers to test their own thinking/reaction time. It consists of three buttons labelled 1, 2 and 3, three lights and a dual 7-segment display A number 1 appears, meaning “Test 1”. After a random delay a single l.e.d. lights up in any position, or two lights in any position, or all three lights appear. You have to press the appropriate button according to the number of lights that appear. Since the lights may be in any position, a little thought is needed to press the correct button, and it is mainly this thinking time which is affected by alcohol etc.