The research presented in this paper is part of the OPTIMISE project commissioned by the UK Department for Transport. OPTIMISE considers design features of in-vehicle driver information systems, such as the modalities used (such as vision, hearing and touch) and the nature in which information is presented to the driver, in order to reduce the workload and distraction, optimizing the use of systems. The study presented here investigated the effects of varying levels of complexity of secondary tasks (Reading versus Recognition) on driver distraction, workload and overall driving performance. Participants were required to carry out two different secondary tasks in a driving simulator, one of which involved basic reading, the other which involved reading followed by recognition. Driving performance and subjective workload were measured. In addition, the SAGAT technique of measuring situation awareness was applied to the simulated driving environment. Results from the study are presented and their implications discussed.
Abstract