Mind wandering during everyday driving: An on-road study. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burdett, Bridget R.D.; Charlton, Samuel G.; Starkey, Nicola J.
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 122(2019)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Mind wandering -- Everyday driving -- Attention -- Context regulation -- Thought sampling; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Highlights: We sampled 25 drivers' thoughts as they drove a familiar route on urban roads. Thoughts were categorised as related to driving or not, and triggered by the senses or not. We also analysed crash patterns on the same route to compare to mind wandering. Analysis suggests an inverse association between mind wandering and crash risk. Mind wandering is ubiquitous during everyday driving, but varies in predictable ways. Abstract: This study was an investigation into mind wandering during everyday driving, and its association with crash patterns. We selected a 25 km route on urban roads for analysis of crashes, and an on-road study of mind wandering by a sample of drivers familiar with the route. We analysed reported crashes on the route over a five year period from New Zealand's crash database. For the on-road study a researcher accompanied 25 drivers on the route, asking them what they were thinking about at 15 predetermined road sections. The road sections were selected to include a range of different speed limits and traffic volumes as well as roundabouts, priority intersections and midblocks. Thought samples were categorised as either mind wandering or driving focus, and triggered by the senses, or internally. The frequencies of mind wandering at different road sections on the route were compared to the frequencies of reported crashes along the same route over the preceding five years. Results showed that although all drivers reported mind wandering, it was more likely to be reported at slower, quieter, less complex road sections. Overall, more crashes were reported at priority intersections and midblocks than at roundabouts, but the crash rate (per road section) was higher at roundabouts, where mind wandering was least likely to be reported. These findings suggest that although drivers' minds wander constantly, driving focus is commanded in demanding situations and in response to the actions of other road users. While mind wandering is ubiquitous, drivers are least likely to report mind wandering at locations showing the highest crash rates. More work is needed to test these findings and to provide direction for road safety interventions.