Changes in driver behaviour as a function of handsfree mobile phones : a simulator study

• The effects of a mobile telephone conversation on drivers' reaction time, lane position, speed level, and workload in two driving conditions (easy versus hard driving task) were studied in an advanced driving simulator. Forty subjects, experienced drivers in the ages 23-61 years, were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions. It was found that a mobile telephone conversation had a negative effect on drivers reaction time, when the driving task was easy. It led to a reduction in speed, when the driving task was easy. It had a negative effect on drivers' lane position, most pronounced when the tracking component of the driving task was difficult. Finally, it led to an increase in workload for both the easy and hard driving task. The effects were discussed in terms of what subtask, car driving or telephone conversation, the drivers gave the highest priority. Some implications for information systems in future cars are discussed.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Produktionsteknik, arbetsvetenskap och ergonomi (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Teknisk psykologi

Engineering Psychology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)