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Distractive Tasks and the Influence of Driver Attributes

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sónia Soares & Carlos Campos & João Miguel Leitão & António Lobo & António Couto & Sara Ferreira, 2021. "Distractive Tasks and the Influence of Driver Attributes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:5094-:d:547696
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jaimie McNabb & Rob Gray, 2016. "Staying Connected on the Road: A Comparison of Different Types of Smart Phone Use in a Driving Simulator," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(2), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Sónia Soares & Tiago Monteiro & António Lobo & António Couto & Liliana Cunha & Sara Ferreira, 2020. "Analyzing Driver Drowsiness: From Causes to Effects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-12, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maosheng Li & Hui Xie & Panpan Shu, 2021. "Study on the Impact of Traffic Accidents in Key Areas of Rural Roads," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Qin Zeng & Yun Chen & Xiazhong Zheng & Meng Zhang & Donghui Li & Qilin Hu, 2023. "Exploring the Visual Attention Mechanism of Long-Distance Driving in an Underground Construction Cavern: Eye-Tracking and Simulated Driving," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-25, June.
    3. Petar Čolić & Marijan Jakovljević & Krešimir Vidović & Marko Šoštarić, 2022. "Development of Methodology for Defining a Pattern of Drivers Mobile Phone Usage While Driving," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-28, February.

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