Executive function and drivers’ ability to self-regulate behaviour when engaging with devices

Abstract

Distracted driving is a leading cause of road trauma. While there is an understanding of some psychological mechanisms underlying distracted driving, there is limited knowledge on the role of executive function in the willingness to engage in non-driving tasks and even less is known about its potential role in drivers’ self-regulatory behaviour when distracted. This study investigated the relationship between executive function and driver engagement with technology. It specifically focussed on whether difficulties in everyday executive functioning impacts drivers’ ability to self-regulate behaviour when engaging with devices at the planning, decision and control levels. Twenty-five licenced drivers aged 20 to 65 years were recruited from the general driving public. Participants first completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and then filled in a series of trip diaries soon after driving over a four-week period. The diaries detailed their interactions with a range of on-board and portable devices during each trip. Generalised Estimated Equations were used to examine associations between executive function and drivers’ behavioural regulation when interacting with devices. Results revealed that difficulties with the behavioural regulation and metacognition aspects of executive function were associated with higher engagement with devices while driving. Executive function also had important links to drivers’ self-regulatory behaviours, particularly at the planning and decision levels. The relationship between executive function and self-regulation at the control level was less clear. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying distracted driving behaviour and suggest possible interventions to reduce engagement with devices and facilitate and enhance positive self-regulatory behaviours.