The Influence of Different Auditory Stimuli on Attentiveness and Responsiveness in Road Traffic in Simulated Traffic Situations.

Wolfgang Welz,Susanne Voelter-Mahlknecht,Geraldine Preuß,Christian Große-Siestrup

doi:10.3390/ijerph17249226

Abstract

The use of portable media has become an integral part of our increasingly mobile society. The use of digital audio books is also growing steadily in Germany. The connection between the psychological effect of music of different volumes and rhythms and the change in reaction in road traffic with a corresponding increase in risk behavior, especially when driving, has already been proven in previous studies. Only a few studies are available on the effects of listening to radio plays on reaction behavior and concentration in road traffic as well as on risk behavior among pedestrians and cyclists. In the present study, we have investigated the influences of pop music and a radio play on reaction behavior and thus driving ability during the execution of a traffic psychological test series from the “Wiener Test System”. The central topic deals with the performance of the test subjects in the individual tests. Conclusions are drawn on the reaction behavior and concentration during participation in road traffic and thus the risk of distraction and possible increased risk of accidents. Studies on the influence of auditory stimuli and their effects on concentration and reaction during participation in traffic are of great interest from the point of view of traffic psychology and occupational medicine, since a reduction in the risk of accidents can increase general traffic safety and lead to a decrease in sick leave and therefore fewer absences from work.

Highlights

Today, especially in cities, we are exposed to a variety of noises which, taken together, can have demonstrably negative psychological and physical effects on the body
The radio play group showed a slightly increased mean reaction time of 437 ms compared to the music group with 422 ms and the control group with 414.5 ms
The results show that the influence of the music was felt to be roughly as strong as the influence of the radio play

Summary

Introduction

Especially in cities, we are exposed to a variety of noises which, taken together, can have demonstrably negative psychological and physical effects on the body. Young people put additional strain on their hearing by using portable MP3 music devices and mobile phones. This can pose a risk while simultaneously participating in road traffic, regardless of whether one turns up the car stereo to full volume or is on the road as a cyclist or pedestrian with loud music and headphones turned up. After sight, hearing is the most important requirement for safe participation in traffic. Relevant information about the speed and direction of movement of other road users can be adequately obtained and processed.

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