The Effects of Driving while Distracted Essay Example

probability of road accidents, this research examines various experiments conducted on their impact during driving.

Methodology

The study's methodology comprises a thorough review of experiments carried out by communication and psychology experts to examine the effects of cell phone use while driving. A total of six experiments were reviewed.

Discussion

One of the primary experiments examined was conducted by David L. Strayer, Frank A. Drews, and Dennis J. Crouch from the University of Utah. They observed both an alcohol-impaired driver and a driver distracted by cell phone usage.

Approximately 8% of drivers on American roads use their cell phones at any given hour, which has a greater impact on them compared to other technology-based distractions because it requires more cognitive involvement. This is particularly true for young drivers who prioritize the functions of their cell phones over older drivers, resulting in higher chances of missing traffic signs, slower response times, and an increased risk of rear-end accidents while using cell phones to converse (Strayer, Drews, ; Crouch, 2006). Additionally, these drivers may focus on the external environment but fail to mentally register what they see due to cognitive processes associated with phone conversations. On the other hand, intoxicated drivers exhibit more attentiveness in the driving process by closely following other cars and displaying more aggressive braking behavior (Strayer, Drews, ; Crouch, 2006).

According to a study conducted by Strayer, Drews, and Crouch (2006), drivers who are intoxicated experience impaired cognitive abilities and reduced motor skills. Similarly, drivers who are distracted by cell phones exhibit similar characteristics. It was found that both types of drivers have an equal probability of causing a car accident. Another research conducted in 2003 by Consiglio et

al., from Miami University, confirmed that using mobile phones while driving leads to decreased response time and increases the chances of a road accident.

In a study conducted by Consiglio, Driscoll, Witte, and Berg (2003), it was discovered that conversing with passengers in the car or listening to the radio while driving had similar effects. Surprisingly, the experiment revealed that listening to the radio did not impact a driver's reaction time. However, using a phone while driving led to a 19% decrease in response time for drivers. The study concluded that accidents caused by cell phone distractions were not attributed to screen-watching or decreased dexterity from multitasking but rather resulted from reduced concentration during conversations. This finding contradicted the belief that hands-free cell phones were safer for drivers compared to handheld devices.

Anderson, Bierman, Franko, and Zelko (2012) from the University of Wisconsin conducted a study in 2012 to examine the impact of texting, conversation, and listening to loud music on driving. According to their findings, texting significantly affected reaction time and heart beat rate, while engaging in a conversation influenced reaction time and systolic blood pressure. In contrast, listening to loud music was found to have minimal effects in these areas for drivers. The researchers attributed these effects to the increased cognitive load associated with texting and conversing compared to listening to loud music.

According to Anderson et al. (2012), both texting and conversing while driving divert attention, while listening to loud music only requires some attention but not active engagement. This lack of active engagement does not affect cognitive function or reaction time. However, Brace et al. (2007) from Monash University in Australia found that

using hand-held cell phones causes physical, visual, and cognitive distractions for drivers, which increases the risk of accidents. Hand-held cell phones are more dangerous than hands-free ones because they create more distractions. Specifically, receiving and dialing calls require the driver's visual, cognitive, and physical attention on the cell phone instead of focusing on driving.

According to Brace, Young, and Regan (2007), the risk of road accidents is four times higher due to reduced reaction time caused by factors like listening to music. In an article for the Science Journal, de Waard, Edlinger, and Brookhuis (2011) argue that listening to music impacts a person's physical and cognitive attention, making them more susceptible to traffic accidents. Listening to music requires concentration and can elicit emotional reactions tied to the message and rhythm of the music. These aspects affect cognitive attention and sometimes motor skills. However, using headphones or earphones exacerbates these effects as it diminishes a person's ability to hear and engage with their surroundings while driving. Consequently, using headphones or earphones increases the likelihood of road accidents.

In a study conducted by Bellinger, Budde, Machida, Richardson, & Berg (2009), it was discovered that distractions such as cell phones, conversations, and music have detrimental effects on a driver's concentration. The findings revealed that participating in conversations and using cell phones diminished cognitive attention and diverted focus away from the surrounding environment. As a consequence, reaction time was prolonged and traffic signals were missed. Distracted drivers also faced an elevated risk of rear-end collisions due to delayed response. However, the impact of listening to music while driving on attention, reaction time, and motor skills was minimal.

Research shows that listening to

music while driving does not significantly impact a driver's reaction time or distract their cognitive and physical attention, in comparison to using cell phones or engaging in conversations. This is because drivers remain more aware of their external environment when they listen to music.

References

• Anderson, E., Bierman, C., Franko, J., ; Zelko, A. (n.d.). The effects of audio and visual distractions on reaction time; Madison, Wisconsin University Press
• Bellinger, D., Budde, B., Machida, M., Richardson, G., ; Berg, W. (2009). The effect of cellular telephone conversation and music listening on response time in braking. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology And Behaviour, 12(6), 441-451. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2009.08.007
• Brace, C.L., Young K.L., Regan M.A., Sweden.& Monash University.(2007).

Analysis of the literature: The use of mobile phones while driving. Borla?nge, Sweden: Va?gverket.

• Consiglio, W., Driscoll, P., Witte, M., ; Berg, W. (2003). Effect of cellular telephone conversations and other potential interference on reaction time in a braking response. Accident Analysis ; Prevention, 35(4), 495-500. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0001-4575(02)00027-1 de
• Waard, D., Edlinger, K., ;Brookhuis, K.

(2011). Effects of listening to music, and of using a handheld and handsfree telephone on cycling behaviour. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology AndBehaviour, 14(6), 626-637.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2011.07.001

• Road Crash Statistics.

The text contains information from a source obtained on November 2, 2016, from the Asirt.org website. It also mentions a study conducted in 2006 by Strayer, Drews, and Crouch.

(2016). Asirt.org. Retrieved 2 November 2016 from https://asirt.org/initiatives/informing-road-users/road-safety-facts/road-crash-statistics

The study "A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver" was conducted and published in the journal Hum Factors. It is located in volume 48, issue 2, pages 381-391.

The article can be accessed online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1518/001872006777724471.