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Traffic and Road Safety (TARS) Research Group
Project index
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Driver Behaviour
Cellphones, passenger conversations and distraction
2006-2008
LTNZ funded project |
Simulator-based study comparing the effects of passenger conversations, cellphone conversations, & remote passenger (located outside car) on drivers’ performance.
Participants drove a simulated version of an actual section of NZ state highway containing 6 realistic hazards.
Cellphone conversations produced significantly slower reactions to traffic & hazards. |
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Conversational suppression – when the
passenger sees an approaching hazard,
they stop talking
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SA enhancement – passengers often
alert the driver to hazards, often
discuss the road ahead
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Findings: Talking on cellphones while driving is significantly different to conversing with a passenger.
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