Objective We measured how long distraction by a smartphone affects simulated driving behaviors after the tasks are completed (i.e., the distraction hangover). Background Most drivers know that smartphones distract. Trying to limit distraction, drivers can use hands-free devices, where they only briefly glance at the smartphone. However, the cognitive cost of switching tasks from driving to communicating and back to driving adds an underappreciated, potentially long period to the total distraction time. Method Ninety-seven 21- to 78-year-old individuals who self-identified as active drivers and smartphone users engaged in a simulated driving scenario that included smartphone distractions. Peripheral-cue and car-following tasks were used to assess driving behavior, along with synchronized eye tracking. Results The participants’ lateral speed was larger than baseline for 15 s after the end of a voice distraction and for up to 25 s after a text distraction. Correct identification of peripheral cues dropped about 5% per decade of age, and participants from the 71+ age group missed seeing about 50% of peripheral cues within 4 s of the distraction. During distraction, coherence with the lead car in a following task dropped from 0.54 to 0.045, and seven participants rear-ended the lead car. Breadth of scanning contracted by 50% after distraction. Conclusion Simulated driving performance drops dramatically after smartphone distraction for all ages and for both voice and texting. Application Public education should include the dangers of any smartphone use during driving, including hands-free.
Distracted driving, and especially cell phone use, is a prevalent contributor to crashes. Older drivers have an increased risk of committing safety errors while driving, especially with distraction. The objective of this study was to characterize phone-related distractions in older drivers (age > 65) and identify intervention strategies likely to reduce cell distraction. A 64-question survey was offered online and on paper. A distracted driving scale (DDS) was created by summing responses on 11 distracted driving questions related to phone use (possible score range 0 to 44). Linear regression was performed to identify variables associated with a higher DDS score. A total of 363 older drivers completed the survey; the mean age was 73 and 56% were female. 60% of older adults reported using their cell phone while driving at least some of the time. Participants perceived their own ability as capable or very capable when driving and using: handheld phone (40%); hands-free phone (78%); other tasks (38%) while driving. 32% of older adults who drive minors reported driving while distracted. 30% of those who work felt obligated to take work-related calls. Variables associated with distracted driving include younger age, driving more miles, perceived hands-free skill, smart phone ownership, and being employed or self-employed. State laws and potential loss of insurance coverage with distracted driving were cited as effective penalties. Older adults are engaging in distracted driving, including with minors in the car. Education, state laws, and altering insurance coverage may mitigate this behavior.
Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 incidence are pronounced in underserved U.S./Mexico border communities. Working and living environments in these communities can lead to increased risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission, and this increased risk is exacerbated by lack of access to testing. As part of designing a community and culturally tailored COVID-19 testing program, we surveyed community members in the San Ysidro border region. The purpose of our study was to characterize knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of prenatal patients, prenatal caregivers, and pediatric caregivers at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FHQC) in the San Ysidro region regarding perceived risk of COVID-19 infection and access to testing. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect information on experiences accessing COVID-19 testing and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection within San Ysidro between December 29, 2020 and April 2, 2021. A total of 179 surveys were analyzed. Most participants identified as female (85%) and as Mexican/Mexican American (75%). Over half (56%) were between the age of 25 and 34 years old. Perceived Risk: 37% reported moderate to high risk of COVID-19 infection, whereas 50% reported their risk low to none. Testing Experience: Approximately 68% reported previously being tested for COVID-19. Among those tested, 97% reported having very easy or easy access to testing. Reasons for not testing included limited appointment availability, cost, not feeling sick, and concern about risk of infection while at a testing facility. This study is an important first step to understand the COVID-19 risk perceptions and testing access among patients and community members living near the U.S./Mexico border in San Ysidro, California.
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