title: Prospective memory while driving: comparison of time- and event-based intentions.
abstract: Prospective memories can divert attentional resources from ongoing activities. However, it is unclear whether these effects and the theoretical accounts that seek to explain them will generalise to a complex real-world task such as driving. Twenty-four participants drove two simulated routes while maintaining a fixed headway with a lead vehicle. Drivers were given either event-based (e.g. arriving at a filling station) or time-based errands (e.g. on-board clock shows 3:30). In contrast to the predominant view in the literature which suggests time-based tasks are more demanding, drivers given event-based errands showed greater difficulty in mirroring lead vehicle speed changes compared to the time-based group. Results suggest that common everyday secondary tasks, such as scouting the roadside for a bank, may have a detrimental impact on driving performance. The additional finding that this cost was only evident with the event-based task highlights a potential area of both theoretical and practical interest. Practitioner Summary: Drivers were given either time- or event-based errands whilst engaged in a simulated drive. We examined the effect of errands on an ongoing vehicle follow task. In contrast to previous non-driving studies, event-based errands are more disruptive. Common everyday errands may have a detrimental impact on driving performance.
authors.affiliation: a School of Psychology, Deakin University , Geelong , Australia.
authors.forename: Steven L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Trawley
authors.affiliation: b Accident Research Centre, Monash University , Clayton , Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: c School of Psychology, Australia Catholic University , Melbourne , Australia.
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Rendell
authors.affiliation: d Department of Psychology , University of Hull , Hull , UK.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Groeger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D008875:Middle Aged; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Prospective memory; delayed intentions; distractions; driving; driving simulator; virtual environment