Study: Cognitive distraction and drivers

Man texting and drivingAs the use of cell phones and smart phones becomes commonplace, law enforcement marks a corresponding increase in injury and fatality accidents on the roadways. Many studies demonstrate the dangers of two main sources of distraction for a driver, which are taking the eyes off the road or the hands off the wheel. The third type of driver distraction, taking the mind off the task of driving, has proven difficult to study. Carefully conducted research by the American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety now demonstrates the degrees of mental distraction various tasks cause when performed while driving.

Evaluating cognitive tasks 

The research study performed surveys, tracked eye movements, and measured brain activity, reaction times and following distances when a driver was not distracted, and then compared these results with the results discovered after performing specific tasks while driving. These potentially distractive behaviors include the following:

  • Listening to the radio or a recorded book
  • Speaking with a person in the vehicle
  • Speaking on a hand-held device
  • Speaking on a hands-free device
  • Using a speech-to-text program 

These cognitive distractions diminish awareness while driving, causing a number of potentially dangerous issues. The areas of the brain needed for safe driving are suppressed, and more reaction time is necessary when a driver is distracted. The driver no longer registers the full visual effect of the driving environment, resulting in a type of tunnel vision that leads to missed cues and a decrease in accuracy.

Ranking task distractions

The researchers rated the tasks by the level of distraction produced, and discovered that listening to the radio or a recorded book caused very little distraction. Having a conversation with a person in the vehicle caused more distraction than was previously thought, but having the same conversation on a hand-held or hands-free device raised the level of driver distraction considerably. Researchers believe this may be due to the inability of the person on the other end of the discussion to see traffic cues and respond. There was not a significant difference in either of these methods of cell phone use. The most distracting task a driver may perform is using a speech-to-text program, even though manufacturers promote these programs as safer alternatives.

The studies performed on visual, manual and cognitive distraction all demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving. Even though these conclusive results link them to the thousands of injuries and fatalities that occur each year on the roadways, many drivers persist in engaging in the behaviors. Victims of a car accident should contact an experienced attorney in order to get the full benefit of the protection offered by the legal system.