Road accidents related to long-distance driving remain a major safety concern, primarily driven by fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort. This study investigates the acceptance of driver assistance technologies, specifically seat adjustment and fatigue warning applications using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Data were collected from 1600 drivers in Thailand. Participants were categorized into low-discomfort (n = 785) and high-discomfort (n = 815) groups based on the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Multi-group Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that the TAM framework adequately explains technology acceptance in both groups. However, significant differences in the underlying mechanisms were observed. For drivers with lower discomfort levels, attitude toward technology played a more prominent role in shaping usage intention. In contrast, perceived usefulness emerged as the dominant factor for drivers experiencing higher musculoskeletal discomfort. These findings indicate that physical discomfort functions as a critical moderator in technology acceptance. Practically, the results highlight the need for driver assistance systems that prioritize ergonomic effectiveness to enhance adoption among physically strained users.
Jongkol et al. (Wed,) studied this question.