Young driver distraction by text messaging: A comparison of the effects of reading and typing text messages in Chinese versus English

Abstract

Background: Reading and typing text messages while driving causes remarkable impairments in driving performance and are prohibited in many jurisdictions. Hong Kong is a bilingual society and many people write in both Chinese and English. As the input methods of Chinese and English vary considerably, this study aimed to examine the effects of reading and typing Chinese and English text messages on driving performance via a driving simulator approach. Method: Experiments were conducted to analyze the differences in reaction time (RT), driving lane undulation (DLU), driving speed fluctuation (DSF) and car-following distance (CFD) between test and leading cars. The driving performance of 26 participants was monitored according to the following conditions: (1) no distraction, (2) reading and typing Chinese text messages and (3) reading and typing English text messages. Results: RT, DLU and DSF were significantly impaired by reading and typing both Chinese and English text messages. Moreover, typing text messages distracted drivers more than reading them. Although the Chinese text messaging input system is more complicated, the languages did not differ significantly in their degree of distraction. Conclusion: Both reading and typing text messages while driving should be prohibited regardless of whether Chinese or English is used.

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