Driver distraction is a significant source of motor vehicle accidents. This chapter begins by presenting a framework for conceptualizing the different sources of driver distraction associated with multi-tasking. Thereafter, the primary focus is on cognitive sources of distraction stemming from the use of a cell phone while driving. We present converging evidence establishing that concurrent cell phone use significantly increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident. Next, we show that using a cell phone induces a form on inattention blindness, where drivers to fail to notice information directly in their line of sight. Whereas cell phone use increases the crash risk, we show that passenger conversations do not. We also show that real-world cell phone interference cannot be practiced away and conclude by considering individual differences in multi-tasking ability. Although the vast majority of individuals cannot perform this dual-task combination without impairment, a small group of “supertaskers” can, and we discuss the neural regions that support this ability. (Author/publisher)
Abstract