Dave Strayer, University of Utah – Driver Distraction

Keep your eyes on the road!

David Strayer, professor of psychology at the University of Utah, explores the rise of infotainment systems in our cars and their potential consequences on our driving.

My work examines how attention functions within multiple research domains, from assessing the limits of human multitasking ability while performing complex tasks such as driving, to studying how attentional capacities can be restored by interacting with nature. We use converging methodologies in our lab to measure changes in both attention and performance, from psychophysiological (EEG and fMRI), subjective ratings, to primary (e.g., driving performance) and secondary task (e.g., reaction time) measures.

Driver Distraction

Today, new cars come equipped with sophisticated graphical displays and voice-command systems. Drivers also can connect their smartphone to the vehicle. These “infotainment systems” allow the driver to perform tasks unrelated to safe operation of the vehicle. For example, motorists can send and receive voice-based text messages or interact with social media while driving. This entertains the driver rather than keeping their attention on the road.

Voice-based systems were intended to keep the driver’s eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. But they often are very difficult to use and are a significant source of driver distraction. In our on-road studies of drivers using voice-based technology, we found that the vast majority ended up being frustrated because the systems were complex and error-prone. And practice didn’t eliminate the distractions. Systems that were hard to use at the outset were still difficult to use after extended practice.

We also found a “technology hangover” of sorts that lasted for up to 27 seconds after drivers stopped making voice commands. At 25 miles per hour, a driver would cover the length of three football fields before regaining full attention. This suggests that drivers who start calls or send text messages at red lights often will be impaired when the light turns green and they proceed through the intersection.

Just because these systems are in the car doesn’t mean that it is a good idea to use them while driving. Far too many people are dying because of distraction on the roadway, and putting another source of distraction at drivers’ fingertips is not a good idea.  If you must use these systems, use them to support the main task of driving – like for navigation or to change the radio or temperature – and keep the interaction short.