Goldsworthy, Jake, Watling, Christopher N., Rose, Chae, and Larue, Gregoire (2024) The effects of distraction on younger drivers: A neurophysiological perspective. Applied Ergonomics, 114. 104147.

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Abstract

Distracted driving remains a significant cause of traffic accidents globally, including in Australia. However, many younger drivers still admit to using a phone while driving. A simulated driving study investigated the neurophysiological effects of visual, auditory, and higher-order cognitive (i.e., requiring the use of executive functions) distraction on young drivers. In total, 24 young adults aged 18—25 years completed four 8 min simulated driving sessions while concurrently engaging in various distractor tasks. Neurophysiological arousal was measured via EEG. Additionally, subjective workload and objective driving performance were assessed. Frontal beta and gamma power exhibited their highest levels during tasks involving higher-order cognitive and visual demands. The higher-order cognitive condition was rated as the most mentally demanding. In comparison, the visual condition had the most significant impact on both the standard deviation of speed and standard deviation of lateral positioning. This study has significant implications for all road users, particularly those aged 18—25 years, and it reinforces the importance of not using a phone while driving.

Item ID:	85497
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1872-9126
Keywords:	Distraction, Neurophysiology, Younger drivers
Copyright Information:	© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Date Deposited:	15 May 2025 22:15
FoR Codes:	32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3209 Neurosciences > 320999 Neurosciences not elsewhere classified @ 20% 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4206 Public health > 420604 Injury prevention @ 40% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5204 Cognitive and computational psychology > 520406 Sensory processes, perception and performance @ 40%
SEO Codes:	27 TRANSPORT > 2703 Ground transport > 270311 Road safety @ 100%
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