The Effects of Using In-Vehicle Computer on Driver Eye Movements and Driving Performance

Abstract

This paper examined the effects of performing an e-mail receiving and sending task using in-vehicle computer (iPad4) on driving performance and driver eye movements to determine if performance decrements decreased with practice. Eighteen younger drivers completed the driving on driving simulator while interacting with or without an e-mail task. Measures of fixations, saccades, vehicle control, and completion time of the secondary task were analyzed. Results revealed that using in-vehicle computer featured “large touch-screen” to receive and send e-mail greatly weakened driver's distraction and decreased their ability to control the vehicle. There was also evidence that, however, drivers attempted to regulate their behavior when distracted by decreasing their driving speed and taking a large number of short fixations and a quick saccades towards the computer. The results suggest that performing e-mail receiving and sending tasks while driving is problematic and steps to prohibit this activity should be taken.