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The effects of mobile telephoning on driving performance
K A Brookhuis1, G de Vries, D de Waard
1Traffic Research Centre, University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Telephoning while driving significantly increases driver effort and impairs performance. Hands-free mobile phone use showed better vehicle control than handheld devices, with improvements noted over time.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Traffic Safety
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Mobile phone use is prevalent, raising concerns about driver distraction.
- Understanding the impact of in-car telecommunication on driving performance is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of telephoning while driving across varied traffic conditions.
- To compare the impact of handheld versus hands-free mobile phone operation on driving.
Main Methods:
- Twelve subjects unfamiliar with mobile phones drove an instrumented vehicle for 3 weeks.
- Participants engaged in brief telephone calls under light, heavy, and city traffic conditions.
- Driving performance and subjective effort were measured; steering wheel movements compared handheld vs. hands-free use.
Main Results:
- Telephoning significantly increased subjective and objective measures of driver effort and affected driving performance.
- Hands-free phone operation resulted in better vehicle control (fewer steering adjustments) compared to handheld operation.
- A learning effect was observed, with some performance improvements over the 15 test days.
Conclusions:
- Mobile phone use while driving poses significant risks, impacting driver effort and performance.
- Hands-free devices appear safer than handheld, but still present risks.
- Recommendations for authorities, manufacturers, and users regarding mobile phone use while driving are warranted.