Drivers' use of different types of multimedia devices while driving - a survey study

Abstract

Accidents and collisions continue to be an ongoing problem in road safety. While driving, drivers are influenced by stimuli that can affect their behaviour in various ways. Nowadays, various types of multimedia devices have become popular, which, when used by drivers while driving, can influence driver attention. The literature undertakes studies of the impact of such devices on the driver's degree of distraction as measured, for example, by the driver's reaction time. A survey was conducted to identify sources of driver distraction. A total of 237 drivers aged between 18 and 78 years participated in the sample. Of the respondents, 64.6% use a mobile phone while driving, 20.3% use a smartwatch, 33.3% use a multimedia control system for vehicle functions. Respondents indicated that they had either witnessed (18.1%) or been involved (6.3%) in a collision/accident when the driver used various types of multimedia devices while driving. Of those surveyed, 2.1% had caused a collision or accident by using a multimedia device while driving. Respondents are aware of the risks of using different types of media devices while driving, but they still use them. The analyses of the survey data will be used in future research using a car simulator.