To fight against drowsiness on the road, it is better to choose what you listen to in the car to delay the onset of extreme drowsiness.
- Drowsiness remains the leading cause of death on the motorway.
- “Anything that contributes to increasing our attention, our awareness of the present moment, is good for vigilance at the wheel”, according to Michel Lejoyeux.
Since the beginning of July, many French people have taken the wheel to travel. In this period of vacation departures, the Assurance Prévention association has revealed the results of the fourth part of his study dedicated to vigilance at the wheel. In this work carried out under the supervision of Professor Michel Lejoyeux, psychiatrist and addictologist at the University of Paris Cité, the objective was to analyze the impact of sounds in the passenger compartment (radio, music, podcast) on the maintenance of vigilance.
A driving simulator
For the purposes of the study, the researchers asked 97 people to sit in a driving simulator for 90 minutes. The participants were divided into five groups and wore headphones over their ears. The members of the first group heard only normal cabin and traffic noise. The second group listened to an imposed musical playlist. For the volunteers of the third group, the same imposed musical playlist was broadcast, but this time it was regularly interspersed with advertisements. The last two groups had to listen to either the music chosen by the participant himself or a podcast.
A podcast or music
According to the results, listening to a podcast and music can reduce the occurrence of drowsiness. “The group with normal cabin and traffic noise is more prone to drowsiness. The natural vibrations of the car indeed promote sleepiness”, can we read in the works. Clearly, the driver is advised to choose his favorite music or programs and listen to them as soon as he takes to the road.
To make a break
Although listening to music or a program is effective, it does not replace a real break. L’Assurance Prévention points out that these auditory stimulations are not miracle solutions and that it is advisable to take a break in case of fatigue. “At the first signs of drowsiness, stop for 15 to 20 minutes”, recommended Éric Lemaire, vice-president of the association.