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

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Transportation safety
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Distracted driving, particularly texting, poses a significant risk to road safety.
• Older drivers may be more vulnerable due to age-related visual impairments affecting driving performance.
• WhatsApp is a widely used instant messaging application, making its impact on driving a relevant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of texting on WhatsApp while driving on driving performance.
• To analyze the association between visual function parameters and driving performance in different age groups.
• To compare objective driving performance with subjective self-report data.

Main Methods:

• 75 experienced WhatsApp users (≥10 messages/week) were divided into four age categories.
• Visual function tests included contrast sensitivity (with/without glare), retinal straylight, and optical quality assessment.
• Simulated driving performance was evaluated under baseline and WhatsApp texting conditions, using participants' own mobile phones.

Main Results:

• Age-related visual decline (e.g., lower contrast sensitivity, greater straylight) correlated with more collisions and poorer lane control (higher SDLP).
• Texting WhatsApp messages significantly worsened driving performance for all ages, with older drivers showing the most pronounced decline (e.g., ~29% higher SDLP).
• The risk of collisions increased significantly for all age groups while texting, with older drivers facing the highest increase (134.5%).

Conclusions:

• Texting on WhatsApp while driving substantially impairs driving safety, disproportionately affecting older drivers.
• Integrating non-standard vision tests into driver licensing could enhance awareness of visual limitations and promote compensatory strategies.
• Raising awareness among both younger and older drivers about the risks of smartphone use while driving is crucial.