WTI

Evaluation of Driver Distraction during Mobile Phone Interaction with the 511 Information System

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Eval of Driver Distraction during Mobile Phone Interaction w/ 511 Info Sys
   1. Mike Kelly, Laura Stanley, Suzanne Lassacher
   2. 425452_Driver_Distraction_Final.pdf

Project Objective

This research project has three primary objectives:• To collect empirical data addressing driver distraction while using two common mobile phone interfaces in rural and urban traffic,• To collect empirical data addressing the usability of the 511 information system while being accessed by mobile telephone from a moving vehicle,• To provide an initial shakedown study for the WTI driving simulation laboratory and an early research success on what will be a high-visibility topic.

Project Abstract

A significant body of research has indicated that the use of hand-held cellular phones in moving vehicles can create a dangerous distraction to drivers in urban areas. Cellular phones with headphone interfaces may create a lesser, but still significant distraction. No research has yet explored the use of these phones by drivers on less congested rural roads where the driver's workload is lower. The national "511" highway information system is heavily used by drivers, especially during inclement weather, to plan and replan their trips. While the system can be accessed by most telephones and authorities agree that users should call from home or from the roadside, a primary user group includes drivers who will access the system while driving on the roads. Few studies have explored the usability of the 511 user interface; we could find no published studies that have investigated the usability of 511 in the context of a mobile phone user who has the added workload of driving a vehicle.

Task Descriptions

1. Develop Test Environment and Procedure
   1. Utilizing the WTI Driving Simulation Laboratory, develop two classes of driving scenarios: one using urban and suburban driving situations and one using rural driving situations. Assign subjects to three groups, a hand-held telephone group, a headphone telephone group, and a no telephone control group. Train subjects on the use of the 511 information system and on driving the simulator.
2. Evaluate Results
   1. Evaluate the 511 interface based on the accuracy of information reported by the user, amount of time required to obtain the information, and survey/interview information concerning problems/comments/ suggestions about the interface design. Submit a report detailing all results within 6 months of start date.
3. Perform Driver Distraction Test
   1. Task subjects driving through a series of scenarios with obtaining specific information about road conditions from the 511 information system. Performance will be measured on tasks such as headway/following distance, lane maintenance, responses to obstacles, etc. A 2X3 analysis of variance will be used to identify significant differences between rural and urban scenarios, mobile phone interfaces, and the interactions of those variables.
4. Recruit Human Subjects
   1. Recruit thirty-six licensed drivers, ranging in age from approximately 20-60, who are mobile phone users. Equal numbers of males and females will be sought.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Driving Simulation, Human Factors, Rural Transportation

Partners