Distraction "Hangover": Characterization of the Delayed Return to Baseline Driving Risk After Distracting Behaviors

A method to enhance drivers' hazard perception at night based on "knowledge-attitude-practice" theory

During nighttime driving, the inherent challenges of low-illuminance conditions often lead to an increased crash rate and higher fatalities by impairing drivers' ability to recognize imminent hazards. While the severity of this issue is widely recognized, a significant research void exists with regard to strategies to enhance hazard perception under such circumstances. To address this lacuna, our study examined the potential of an intervention grounded in the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) framework to bolster nighttime hazard detection among drivers. We engaged a cohort of sixty drivers split randomly into an intervention group (undergoing specialized training) and a control group and employed a holistic assessment that combined eye movement analytics, physiological response monitoring, and driving performance evaluations during simulated scenarios pre- and post-intervention. The data showed that the KAP-centric intervention honed drivers' visual search techniques during nighttime driving, allowing them to confront potential threats with reduced physiological tension and ensuring more adept vehicle handling. These compelling findings support the integration of this methodology in driver training curricula and present an innovative strategy to enhance road safety during nighttime journeys.

Adopting Stimulus Detection Tasks for Cognitive Workload Assessment: Some Considerations

OBJECTIVE

This article tackles the issue of correct data interpretation when using stimulus detection tasks for determining the operator's workload.

BACKGROUND

Stimulus detection tasks are a relative simple and inexpensive means of measuring the operator's state. While stimulus detection tasks may be better geared to measure conditions of high workload, adopting this approach for the assessment of low workload may be more problematic.

METHOD

This mini-review details the use of common stimulus detection tasks and their contributions to the Human Factors practice. It also borrows from the conceptual framework of the inverted-U shape model to discuss the issue of data interpretation.

RESULTS

The evidence being discussed here highlights a clear limitation of stimulus detection task paradigms.

CONCLUSION

There is an inherent risk in using a unidimensional tool like stimulus detection tasks as the primary source of information for determining the operator's psychophysiological state.

APPLICATION

Two recommendations are put forward to Human Factors researchers and practitioners dealing with the interpretation conundrum of dealing with stimulus detection tasks.

Deterring illegal smartphone use while driving: Are perceptions of risk information associated with the impact of informal sanctions?

Advertising campaigns have used threat appeals to increase the perceptions of risk associated with dangerous driving behaviours. Building on recent research that suggests increasing the pertinence of informal sanctions (sense of guilt, fear of peer disapproval, or fear of hurting oneself and others) decreases the likelihood of illegal smartphone engagement while driving, this study aimed to determine if perceptions of risk information, that is, how effective drivers believe the information is in deterring their illegal use, is associated with perceptions of informal sanctions. An online survey of 1027 Victorians who self-reported illegal smartphone use while driving asked participants to rate the personal deterrent effectiveness of five types of risks associated with illegal smartphone use while driving. A hierarchical linear regression model explored the associations between the most effective risks and each informal sanction. Female drivers were more likely than male drivers to experience guilt, fear of social loss and fear of physical loss when using their smartphones illegally. More frequent illegal smartphone engagement while driving was associated with decreased impact of informal sanctions. Female drivers were more likely than male drivers to perceive each risk as effective. The most effective piece of information was, "Contributes to 16% of Victorian road deaths and serious injuries annually"; it was also the least known (32.7% males, 26.7% females). This message, alongside, "Increases risk of a crash comparable to those associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis" and, "A 2 s glance at your phone while driving at 50 km/h effectively means driving blind for 27 m", were associated with stronger perceptions of guilt, fear of peer disapproval, or fear of hurting oneself and others when thinking about using a smartphone illegally while driving. These results suggest tailoring and targeting these specific risk information may be effective in deterring illegal smartphone use while driving.