Análisis de carga de trabajo mental en conductores de vehículos pesados de larga distancia mediante el Método NASA TLX: Implicaciones en la seguridad vial

Abstract

In the field of land transport, heavy goods vehicle drivers face long working hours, demanding road conditions, and high levels of responsibility, factors that can affect their performance and safety. In this context, the study “Analysis of Mental Workload in Long-Distance Heavy Vehicle Drivers Using the NASA TLX Method: Implications for Road Safety” was developed, which aims to evaluate the level of mental workload present in this type of work and its relationship with factors that influence road safety. The research is based on the use of the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) method, a tool that measures subjective workload based on six dimensions: mental demand, physical demand, time demand, performance, effort, and frustration. A quantitative approach and descriptive design were applied, using structured surveys of drivers who make inter-municipal and long-distance trips. The results show that the dimensions of mental demand, effort, and time demand reach the highest values, reflecting a considerable level of workload. This result is associated with accumulated fatigue, the monotony of prolonged driving, road conditions, and pressure to meet delivery times. In conclusion, high mental workload can compromise drivers' attention, decision-making, and reaction time, increasing. This result is associated with accumulated fatigue, the monotony of prolonged driving, road conditions, and pressure to meet delivery times. In conclusion, high mental load can compromise drivers' attention, decision-making, and reaction time, increasing the risk of road incidents. Therefore, it is proposed to strengthen rest management strategies and road safety training. This analysis provides relevant evidence for the formulation of organizational policies aimed at preventing fatigue and promoting safe and efficient driving in the freight transport sector.