RMIT University researchers revealed that the physical vibrations of a vehicle seat may contribute to fatigue and some drivers feel it just 15 minutes after they begin to drive. Lead researchers Associate Professor Mohammad Fard and Professor Stephen Robinson tested 15 volunteers in a virtual reality simulator, replicating the experience of driving on a 2 lane highway. Researchers monitored volunteers’ heart rates for signs of fatigue, with vibration and without vibration and found that heartbeat changes as the vibration-induced tiredness makes it harder to perform mental tasks. Within 15 minutes of starting the vibrating test, volunteers started showing signs of drowsiness. In 30 minutes of the test, the drowsiness was significant and required substantial effort to remain alert. Throughout the test, drowsiness continued and peaked at 60 minutes. Read more at: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1807/vibrations-can-exacerbate-fatigue-rmit