Distractive Tasks and the Influence of Driver Attributes

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Sónia Soares (Author) FEUP; Carlos Campos (Author) Other; João Miguel Leitão (Author) Other; António Lobo (Author) FEUP; António Couto (Author) FEUP; Sara Ferreira (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Sustainability

Vol. 13

Pages: 1-5094

ISSN: 2071-1050

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering ; Social sciences > Psychological sciences > Psychology

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering ; Social sciences > Psychology

Associated Projects

AUTODRIVING - Autodriving - Modelação do comportamento do condutor em contexto de veículo autónomo com recurso ao simulador de condução

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-VSA

DOI: 10.3390/su13095094

Abstract (EN): Driver distraction is a major problem nowadays, contributing to many deaths, injuries, and economic losses. Despite the effort that has been made to minimize these impacts, considering the technological evolution, distraction at the wheel has tended to increase. Not only tech-related tasks but every task that captures a driver's attention has impacts on road safety. Moreover, driver behavior and characteristics are known to be heterogeneous, leading to a distinct driving performance, which is a challenge in the road safety perspective. This study aimed to capture the effects of drivers' personal aspects and habits on their distraction behavior. Following a within-subjects approach, a convenience sample of 50 drivers was exposed to three unexpected events reproduced in a driving simulator. Drivers' reactions were evaluated through three distinct models: a Lognormal Model to make analyze the visual distraction, a Binary Logit Model to explore the adopted type of reaction, and a Parametric Survival Model to study the reaction times. The research outcomes revealed that drivers' behavior and perceived workload were distinct when they were engaged in specific secondary tasks and for distinct drivers' personal attributes and habits. Age and type of distraction showed statistical significance regarding the visual behavior. Moreover, reaction times were consistently related to gender, BMI, sleep patterns, speed, habits while driving, and type of distraction. The habit of engaging in secondary tasks while driving resulted in a cumulative better performance.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20