Theofanis Mitsis, “The effect of physical fitness on driver safety behavior on highways”, Diploma Thesis, NTUA, School of Civil Engineering, Athens, March 2026.

The objective of this thesis is to investigate how physical fitness level influences drivers’ safety-related driving behavior under highway conditions, using a driving simulator. The experimental procedure involved 46 participants aged 19-27, whose cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) index. VO₂max was estimated based on heart rate (BPM: Beats Per Minute) during the recovery phase following brief physical activity. Participants were then classified into two fitness categories, high-fitness and low-fitness, according to established VO₂max thresholds reported in the literature. Simultaneously, participants completed a relevant questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using linear and logistic regression statistical models. The findings indicated that high-fitness drivers exhibited greater variability in headway distance to the leading vehicle, higher mean driving speed and increased time to collision. Overall, higher physical fitness appears to be associated with more consistent and controlled driving behavior, which in most cases may contribute to a reduced risk of accidents through more effective decision-making.