The Comparison of Human Based and Automobile Based Transportation

This study explored the nature of errors made by drivers when distracted versus not distracted. Participants drove an instrumented vehicle around an urban test route both while distracted (i.e. performing a visual detection task) and while not distracted. Two in vehicle observers recorded the driving errors made and a range of other data were collected, including driver verbal protocols, and video and vehicle data (speed, braking, steering vehicle, etc). Classification of the errors revealed that drivers were significantly more likely to make errors when distracted; although driving errors were prevalent even when not distracted. Interestingly, the nature of the errors made by distracted drivers did not differ substantially from those made by non-distracted drivers. Avenues for broadening our understanding of the relationship between distraction and driving errors are discussed along with the advantages of using a multi-method framework for studying driver behavior.