Linking executive functions to distracted driving, does it differ between young and mature drivers?

Zhi Zhang,Yingshi Guo,Wei Yuan,Rui Fu,Chang Wang,Feng Chen

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0239596

Abstract

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Certain executive functions significantly affect the willingness of distracted driving; however, little research has compared the effects of executive functions on distracted driving behaviors in different aged populations. This study explores and compares the behavioral and cognitive processes underlying distracted driving behaviors in young and mature drivers. A total of 138 participants aged 18–65 years old completed a self-report questionnaire for measuring executive function index and distracted driving behaviors. Independent sample t-tests were conducted for executive functions (motivational drive, organization, strategic planning, impulse control, and empathy) and driving variables to examine any differences between young and mature groups. Partial correlation coefficients and z-score of these comparisons were calculated to compare the differences between age groups. Furthermore, multiple hierarchical regression models were constructed to determine the relative contributions of age, gender, and executive functions on distracted driving behaviors. Results demonstrated the following: (1) Mature drivers performed better for impulse control, the executive function index as well as the measure of distracted driving behavior than young drivers; (2) the relationships between executive functions and distracted driving behaviors did not significantly differ between young and mature drivers; (3) for both young and mature drivers, motivational drive and impulse control were found to significantly improve the prediction of distracted driving behavior in regression models. The findings emphasize that similar behavioral and cognitive processes are involved in distracted driving behavior of young and mature drivers, and can promote a single strategy for driver education and accident prevention interventions for both age groups.

Highlights

The WHO reported that about 1.35 million people of all ages were killed in road traffic accidents globally in 2016 [1]
The results revealed that global executive difficulty was significantly related to distracted driving behaviors, and the relationship between age and distracted driving behavior was partially mediated by global executive difficulty [25]
The findings of our study revealed that both impulse control and motivational drive contributed to distracted driving behaviors

Summary

Introduction

The WHO reported that about 1.35 million people of all ages were killed in road traffic accidents globally in 2016 [1]. With the rapid development of in-vehicle systems and portable electronic devices, distracted driving behaviors are among the leading causes of traffic violations. In 2017, 2935 fatal crashes occurred on roadways in the USA that involved distraction, with 3166 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers, including 599 non-occupants (pedestrians, bicyclists, and others). 83% of drivers aged 15–59 years old that were involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crashes, and Individual factors were found to affect injury severity in traffic accidents, such as driver age, gender, etc. Various activities are identified as distracted behaviors, such as cell phone use and texting, eating, talking to other passengers, or adjusting the vehicular equipment while driving [2]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion