This study investigated the effects of cognitive distractions on driving behavior using a car driving simulator. A sample of 46 participants was divided into two groups: a distracted experimental group and a non-distracted control group. Distractions included listening to music on highways, texting on suburban roads, and following navigation systems in urban areas. Speed and lane position were recorded every 0.25 seconds, and ANOVA tested for significant differences. Results showed that listening to music increased average speed, texting reduced speed and caused greater lane deviation, and using a navigation system led to speed variations due to periodic shifts in attention. These findings highlight that even common, legal distractions can compromise driving safety. Understanding these impacts is essential for improving road design. By optimizing infrastructure to account for distracted driving, civil engineers can reduce risks and traffic accidents, and advance the UN Agenda 2030 goals for sustainable and safer transportation systems.
The Impact of Selected Cognitive Distractions on Driving Behavior: An Experimental Study Using a Two-Degree-of-Freedom Simulator
Baldo N.
2026-01-01
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of cognitive distractions on driving behavior using a car driving simulator. A sample of 46 participants was divided into two groups: a distracted experimental group and a non-distracted control group. Distractions included listening to music on highways, texting on suburban roads, and following navigation systems in urban areas. Speed and lane position were recorded every 0.25 seconds, and ANOVA tested for significant differences. Results showed that listening to music increased average speed, texting reduced speed and caused greater lane deviation, and using a navigation system led to speed variations due to periodic shifts in attention. These findings highlight that even common, legal distractions can compromise driving safety. Understanding these impacts is essential for improving road design. By optimizing infrastructure to account for distracted driving, civil engineers can reduce risks and traffic accidents, and advance the UN Agenda 2030 goals for sustainable and safer transportation systems.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
