Prospective memory while driving: comparison of time- and event-based intentions

Prospective memories can divert attentional resources from ongoing activities. However, it is unclear whether these effects and the theoretical accounts that seek to explain them will generalise to a complex real-world task such as driving. Twenty-four participants drove two simulated routes while m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ergonomics 2017-06, Vol.60 (6), p.780-790
Main Authors: Trawley, Steven L., Stephens, Amanda N., Rendell, Peter G., Groeger, John A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Attention
Automobile driving
Automobile Driving - psychology
Computer Simulation
delayed intentions
distractions
Driver behavior
Drivers
Driving
Driving ability
driving simulator
Ergonomics
Female
Humans
Intention
Lead
Male
Memory
Memory, Episodic
Middle Aged
Prospective memory
Space life sciences
Task Performance and Analysis
Time Factors
Traffic accidents & safety
Velocity
virtual environment
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Summary:Prospective memories can divert attentional resources from ongoing activities. However, it is unclear whether these effects and the theoretical accounts that seek to explain them will generalise to a complex real-world task such as driving. Twenty-four participants drove two simulated routes while maintaining a fixed headway with a lead vehicle. Drivers were given either event-based (e.g. arriving at a filling station) or time-based errands (e.g. on-board clock shows 3:30). In contrast to the predominant view in the literature which suggests time-based tasks are more demanding, drivers given event-based errands showed greater difficulty in mirroring lead vehicle speed changes compared to the time-based group. Results suggest that common everyday secondary tasks, such as scouting the roadside for a bank, may have a detrimental impact on driving performance. The additional finding that this cost was only evident with the event-based task highlights a potential area of both theoretical and practical interest. Practitioner Summary: Drivers were given either time- or event-based errands whilst engaged in a simulated drive. We examined the effect of errands on an ongoing vehicle follow task. In contrast to previous non-driving studies, event-based errands are more disruptive. Common everyday errands may have a detrimental impact on driving performance.
ISSN:0014-0139
1366-5847
DOI:10.1080/00140139.2016.1214288