This paper presents some results of an American study to determine a dose-response curve, to find at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) divided attention starts to become less effective. The study also investigated the effects of BAC on reaction time, accuracy scores, false positive scores, visual pursuit, tunnel vision, and decision making, in relation to divided attention. Each subject was given a SEDI (Simulated Evaluation of Drug Impairment) task, requiring him to respond to three numerical displays through four response buttons and a foot pedal. The central visual display represented a digital speedometer, and the peripheral display represented information critical to driving decisions. The SEDI device measures five dependent variables that allow the ongoing evaluation of performance: (1) formula scores; (2) central vision scores; (3) peripheral vision scores; (4) foot pedal scores; (5) error response scores. It was found that the SEDI device could be a useful tool in evaluating impairment due to alcohol. Peripheral vision and foot pedal response seemed to be the most sensitive indicators. However, there were also large variations between the subjects, who had a wide range of driving skills.
Samenvatting