The Effects of Text Messaging on Driver Distraction: A Bio-Behavioral Analysis

This study was designed to empirically examine the effects of text-messaging on driver distraction. Thirty participants were required to perform a driving simulation task while text-messaging using a cellular phone device. Driving errors as measured by lane deviations, crossing the median, crashes, etc., were recorded and analyzed as a function of the distracter. Physiological measures (EEG) were also recorded during the driving phases to quantitatively measure the participant's level of cortical arousal. It was hypothesized that text-messaging would affect driving ability and the level of cortical arousal. The results indicated higher levels of arousal and a prevalence of the theta frequency (4–7 Hz), which is associated with distractibility as a result of text-messaging activity. In addition, participants showed an increased number of driving errors as a function of text-messaging distractibility. These results have major implications for in-vehicle systems design, traffic safety, and driver attention and workload.