Self-report measures of distractibility as correlates of simulated driving performance.
The present study investigated the relationship between self-reported measures pertaining to attention difficulties and simulated driving performance while distracted. Thirty-six licensed drivers participated in a simulator driving task while engaged in a cell phone conversation. The participants completed questionnaires assessing their tendency toward boredom, cognitive failures, and behaviors associated with attention deficit and hyperactivity. Scores on these measures were significantly correlated with various driving outcomes (e.g., speed, lane maintenance, reaction time). Significant relationships were also found between one aspect of boredom proneness (i.e., inability to generate interest or concentrate) and self-reports of past driving behavior (moving violations). The current study may aid in the understanding of how individual differences in driver distractibility may contribute to unsafe driving behaviors and accident involvement. Additionally, such measures may assist in the identification of individuals at risk for committing driving errors due to being easily distracted. The benefits and limitations of conducting and interpreting simulation research are discussed.
Kass
Steven J
SJ
Department of Psychology, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514, USA. skass@uwf.edu
Beede
Kristen E
KE
Vodanovich
Stephen J
SJ
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001288:Attention; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001336:Automobiles; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics; D011930:Reaction Time; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult