Measuring driver distraction – Evaluation of the box task method as a tool for assessing in-vehicle system demand. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morgenstern, Tina; Wögerbauer, Elisabeth M.; Naujoks, Frederik; Krems, Josef F.; Keinath, Andreas
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 88(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Driver distraction -- In-vehicle information systems -- Evaluation methods; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103181
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: Several tools have been developed over the past twenty years to assess the degree of driver distraction caused by secondary task engagement. A relatively new and promising method in this area is the box task combined with a detection response task (BT + DRT). However, no evaluation regarding the BT's sensitivity currently exists. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the BT + DRT by comparing its sensitivity to the sensitivity of already established methods. Twenty-nine participants engaged in several artificial and realistic secondary tasks while either performing the BT + DRT, the Lane Change Test (LCT), or driving through a simple course in a simulator. The results showed that the BT parameters (especially the standard deviation of box position and size) were sensitive to differences in demand across the visual-manual secondary tasks. This was comparable to what was found with the LCT. Surprisingly, the BT performance measures were more sensitive than those of the driving simulation task. The BT + DRT also captured cognitive distraction effects with the integration of the DRT. Hence, the BT + DRT could be a cost-effective method to assess in-vehicle system demand. However, further investigations are necessary to better understand the potential of the BT method. Highlights: The sensitivity of the box task as a method for measuring driver distraction was examined. Parameters of the box task were sensitive to visual-manual secondary task demand. Results were comparable to what was found with the lane change test. Cognitive distraction effects were assessed with a tactile detection response task.