Susceptibility to Driver Distraction Questionnaire

Abstract

Driver distraction significantly impairs performance and increases the likelihood of vehicle crashes. Understanding the underlying reasons for distraction engagement as well as individuals’ susceptibility to various types of distractions is a necessary step in developing effective solutions for mitigating distraction. This paper describes the development and initial evaluation of a questionnaire, the Susceptibility to Driver Distraction Questionnaire (SDDQ), which investigates distraction involvement by making a distinction between voluntary and involuntary engagement in secondary activities, or distractions, as referred to in this paper. The paper presents the theoretical underpinnings, the questionnaire itself, as well as the results of an online survey that examined the reliability and validity of the newly developed questionnaire. The analyses show moderate to high levels of internal consistency among the questionnaire items; this consistency provides support to the reliability of the SDDQ. The results also suggest that self-reported engagement in driver distraction is correlated with other self-reported, unsafe driving behaviors. As expected, personality is associated with attitudes and beliefs that motivate voluntary engagement in distraction, while susceptibility to involuntary distraction is related to cognitive limitations. These results indicate that the SDDQ can potentially be a useful tool to study driver distraction and the underlying reasons for distraction engagement.