Driver distraction by smartphone use (WhatsApp) in different age groups

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect that texting with WhatsApp, one of the most common applications for instant messaging, exerts on driving performance. Because distracted driving also affects older drivers, who can have seriously compromised vision, we also analysed the associations between visual-function parameters and driving performance. A total of 75 drivers, experienced in sending WhatsApp messages (≥10WhatsApp messages/week), participated in this study and were divided into four age categories. Visual-function tests included contrast sensitivity with and without glare, retinal straylight and objective assessment of optical quality. Simulated driving performance was assessed under a baseline driving condition (without distraction) as well as a texting condition (WhatsApp messages) while driving. The participants used their own mobile phone. Lastly, objective results of driving performance were compared with subjective self-report data from the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ). The analysis indicated that functional changes occurring with age, such as a lower contrast sensitivity and greater retinal straylight, were correlated with a higher number of collisions, longer distances driven outside the lane, and greater standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP). The results showed a significant main effect of age for the driving-performance parameters. Also, compared to the baseline, texting WhatsApp messages while driving worsens driving performance for all age groups, most notably among older participants. Thus, the older drivers' SDLP was ∼14% higher than that for the baseline average of all the other drivers and rose to 29% under distraction, reflecting the impact of secondary tasks. The negative effect of the use of the smartphone during driving was also reflected in the number of collisions, with a greater risk of accidents in all the groups of drivers (by 8.3% for young adults, 25.0% for adults, 80.5% for middle-aged adults, and 134.5% for older drivers). Lastly, participants' subjective responses indicated that younger drivers (18-24 years) had a higher risk of deliberately violating safe driving practices (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates that texting WhatsApp messages while driving significantly impairs the ability to drive safely, with older drivers being the group most adversely affected. It would be recommendable to include other nonstandard vision tests, which have shown associations with driving performance, in the examination for driver licensing. This would help raise the awareness of older drivers concerning their visual limitations, permitting them to adopt compensatory measures to improve their driving safety. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to raise awareness among the younger drivers of the risks involved in behaviour behind the wheel.

Impact of Age-Related Vision Changes on Driving

“…In this context, our results demonstrate that older drivers drive less efficiently, presenting a higher SDLP and driving longer distances outside their lane, even though they try to correct the vehicle’s position, as evidenced by the higher SD of the steering wheel angular velocity. These results are in general agreement with previous studies, which found that older drivers have a greater incidence of lane excursions [ 34 ], more difficulties changing lane [ 35 ], and less control over the vehicle’s position in unexpected events or divided attention tasks [ 27 ]. The reduced visual capacity observed in older drivers could be responsible for most of these changes, as it affects visual guidance abilities and visual attention span, making older drivers slower and less accurate when detecting all the stimuli on the road [ 36 ].…”

“…All participants drove in a scenario with identical traffic flow and the same number of peripheral events as above. More information on this simulated environment can be found elsewhere [ 27 , 28 ]. Participants received at least two training sessions separated by a seven-day washout period.…”

Intraocular scattering as a predictor of driving performance in older adults with cataracts

“…The study by van Rijn et al [10] evaluated the properties of several glare devices, concluding that the measurement of intraocular straylight correlates well with the detrimental effects of glare on perception, being particularly important in subjects with cataracts. Importantly, the work of Ortiz et al [21] showed a significant correlation between straylight and driving performance, for example in the distance travelled invading the opposite lane, SDLP, and the number of collisions. Moreover, other authors have proposed a cut-off limit for straylight, beyond which driving risk increases.…”

“…The second section was a winding mountain road of onelane single carriageway 6 km long, with variable speed limit of 40 km/h to 90 km/h, no buildings, and moderate traffic. More information on the characteristics of the sections can be found elsewhere [21]. All participants underwent three training sessions with a washout period of 7 days between them.…”

WiFi-Based Driver’s Activity Monitoring with Efficient Computation of Radio-Image Features

“…Distraction reduce the driver's perception and decision making capability by diverting his/her attention from the primary task of driving to secondary activities [2]. In-vehicle entertainment systems (audio/video players) and gadgets (GPS and mobile communication) are among the leading causal factors of driver distraction [3,4]. Moreover, a driver may be distracted because of engagement in eating/drinking, smoking or talking to the passengers during driving [5,6].…”