A group of Daimler AG researchers have been observing the effects of artificial daylight on the mental state and performance of truck drivers, reports Today’s Trucking.
In a series of experiments in Rovaniemi, Finland, set in the Polar Circle’s winter darkness, eight test truck drivers were examined for the benefits of artificial daylight in their truck cabs.
From Today’s Trucking:
Siegfried Rothe, project manager and head of Daimler’s experiment works with Daimler to help improve living conditions for truck drivers, subsequently improving the image of the occupation. Rothe determined due to the shape of most truck cabs, only a comparatively low percentage of natural daylight reaches a truck driver’s light receptors, and sparked the idea for the experiment.
Alternating between one week in a truck cab with conventional lighting and another week with a “Daylight+” module which supplied additional daylight while driving and during breaks, the truckers were observed and compared to only themselves. The drivers were examined for performance changes when they were exposed to additional biologically effective daylight under clearly defined conditions. The additional light was distributed in three different intensities.
- Steady light while driving, whereby the intensity was adjusted to the exterior light level.
- An intense light shower of maximum intensity during the tests before and after driving.
- Light while reclined, likewise of maximum intensity, during breaks while the driver relaxes in their seat, which has been positioned for a power nap.
Full story here.