Distractive Tasks and the Influence of Driver Attributes

Sónia Soares, Carlos Campos, João Miguel Leitão, António Lobo, António Couto and Sara Ferreira
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Sónia Soares: Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Carlos Campos: School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
João Miguel Leitão: School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
António Lobo: Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
António Couto: Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Sara Ferreira: Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: road safety; driver behavior; driver attributes; distraction; reaction; eyes-off-road (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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