Reading Text Messages Research Articles

Driver distraction and in-vehicle interventions: A driving simulator study on visual attention and driving performance

Driving simulator studies are popular means to investigate driving behaviour in a controlled environment and test safety-critical events that would otherwise not be possible in real-world driving conditions. While several factors affect driving performance, driving distraction has been emphasised as a safety-critical issue across the globe. In this context, this study explores the impact of distraction imposed by mobile phone usage, i.e., writing and reading text messages, on driver behaviour. As part of the greater i-DREAMS project, this study uses a car driving simulator experimental design in Germany to investigate driver behaviour under various conditions: (I) monitoring scenario representing normal driving conditions, (II) intervention scenario in which drivers receive fixed timing in-vehicle intervention in case of unsafe driving manoeuvres, and (III) distraction scenario in which drivers receive in-vehicle interventions based on task completion capability, where mobile phone distraction is imposed. Besides, eye-tracking glasses are used to further explore drivers’ attention allocation and eye movement behaviour. This research focuses on driver response to risky traffic events (i.e., potential pedestrian collisions, and tailgating) and the impact of distraction on driving performance, by analysing a set of eye movement and driving performance measures of 58 participants. The results reveal a significant change in drivers’ gaze patterns during the distraction drives with significantly higher gaze points towards the i-DREAMS intervention display (the utilised advanced driver assistance systems in this study). The overall statistical analysis of driving performance measures suggests nearly similar impacts on driver behaviour during distraction drives; a higher deviation of lateral positioning was noted irrespective of the event risk levels and lower longitudinal acceleration rates were observed for pedestrian collisions and non-critical events during distracted driving.

Standalone android app for Visually Impaired people

Purpose of the study: In the race for performance improvements and extensive features that make lives easier, usability and reach-ability of the technology have taken a backseat. This is especially so for an abled section of our society. Here the researchers have formulated an android app for visually impaired ones.
 Methodology: The goal of the research is to develop and verify the efficiency of an android application at helping the visually impaired to connect to the mainstream by providing an alternative method to perform general operations on an android device such as making calls, sending and reading text messages, and saving reminders or notes independently
 Main Findings: The major problems faced by the visually impaired ones are is texting, calling, note-making whereas with the help of this application everything becomes very easy to operate. 
 Applications of this study: Study of this application suggests us to deploy it at each and every visually special user so, that they can be benefitted with this.

Evaluating Long-Term Outcomes of a High School-Based Impaired and Distracted Driving Prevention Program.

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. Many of these deaths are due to preventable causes, including impaired and distracted driving. You Drink, You Drive, You Lose (YDYDYL) is a prevention program to educate high school students about the consequences of impaired and distracted driving. YDYDYL was conducted at a public high school in Southern Nevada in March 2020. A secondary data analysis was conducted to compare knowledge and attitudes of previous participants with first-time participants. Independent-samples-t test and χ2 test/Fisher’s exact test with post-contingency analysis were used to compare pre-event responses between students who had attended the program one year prior and students who had not. Significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 349 students participated in the survey and were included for analysis; 177 had attended the program previously (50.7%) and 172 had not (49.3%). The mean age of previous participants and first-time participants was 16.2 (SD ± 1.06 years) and 14.9 (SD ± 0.92 years), respectively. Statistically significant differences in several self-reported baseline behaviors and attitudinal responses were found between the two groups; for example, 47.4% of previous participants compared to 29.4% of first-time participants disagreed that reading text messages only at a stop light was acceptable. Students were also asked how likely they were to intervene if a friend or family member was practicing unsafe driving behaviors; responses were similar between the two groups. The baseline behaviors and attitudes of participants regarding impaired and distracted driving were more protective among previous participants compared to first-time participants, suggesting the program results in long-term positive changes in behaviors and attitudes. The results of this secondary retrospective study may be useful for informing the implementation of future impaired and distracted driving prevention programs.

The Effect Of Mobile Phone Use While Driving On Response Time: Driving Simulator Study

Mobile phone use is one of the most common daily tasks and this is normal, however, this task could be problematic while driving. The use of mobile phones while driving has become a major cause of road accidents and poses a threat to public health. This study investigated the effect of mobile phone usage while driving on response time, as it investigated four mobile phone tasks (hands-free calling, hand calls, reading text messages, and sending text messages) in addition to basic driving. A total of 42 participants, ranging in age from (19 to 55), with a mean age (mean = 33.14, SD = 10.26) participated in the driving simulation at the University of Technology and all participants performed five tasks. The participants had to interact with voice commands by performing the throttle maneuver. The results concluded with a delay in response, which means an increase in cognitive reaction time when using a mobile phone compared to basic driving. It has also been found that the response time increases with the age of drivers.

Student driver propensity to engage with distractions – a self-report survey

This paper reports a survey of engagement with, and ratings of, driver distraction, for undergraduate student drivers. Survey data was collected using an anonymous online questionnaire. 530 respondents contributed to the survey during a seven-year data collection period.Results indicate that the three internal-to-vehicle behaviours rated as most distracting when driving were ‘writing text messages’, ‘internet use’, and ‘reading text messages’. The three most frequently undertaken distractions were, ‘(interactions with) adults’, ‘daydreaming’, and ‘eating, drinking or smoking’. Considering external-to-vehicle distractions, the top three rated were ‘environmental conditions’, ‘unexpected objects or events’, and ‘animals behaving unexpectedly’; while the most frequently experienced external distractions were ‘people (behaving normally), ‘busy roads’ and ‘official signage’. Some evidence was found that internal-to-vehicle distractions were relatively more distracting than external-to-vehicle ones, along with limited findings showing significant variation in the amount of engagement with distractions over time. Significant predictive models for engagement with distraction were calculated (for both work-related and non-work-related driving) and found to be broadly in agreement with previous research, although accounting for less variance in the models. Significantly greater engagement with distractions was found during non-work-related driving, when compared to work-related.The data present a picture of ongoing and substantial engagement with distracting behaviours for this population over the data collection period. For example, on a daily or weekly basis, more than three-fifths of respondents reported willingness to read text messages with the vehicle in motion; while just under half indicated that they typically write text messages in the same circumstances. However, the findings do offer some promise that interventions targeted towards non-work-related driving behaviours may be effective to reduce volitional engagement with distractions.

Effects of COVID-19 Emergency Alert Text Messages on Practicing Preventive Behaviors: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey in South Korea.

BackgroundSending emergency messages via mobile phone text messaging can be a promising communication tool to rapidly disseminate information and promote preventive behavior among the public during epidemic outbreaks. The battle to overcome COVID-19 is not yet over; thus, it is essential that the public practices preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reading and obtaining information via emergency alert SMS text messages and their effects on the individual's practice of preventive behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey comprising 990 participants was conducted over 3 days (March 25-27, 2020). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the sociodemographic factors that might influence the behavior of reading emergency alert text messages. A hierarchical linear regression model estimated the associations between reading emergency alert text messages for each precautionary behavior practiced against COVID-19. Additionally, the indirect effects of reading the text messages on each precautionary behavior via psychological factors (ie, perceived risk and response efficacy) were calculated. All data were weighted according to the 2019 Korea census data.ResultsOverall, 49.2% (487/990) of the participants reported that they always read emergency alert text messages and visited the linked website to obtain more information. Factors such as female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.21) and older age (30-39 years: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; 40-49 years: OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.80-4.47; 50-59 years: OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.01-5.06; 60 years and above: OR 3.12, 95% CI 2.00-4.86 versus 18-29 years) were identified to be associated with a higher frequency of reading the text messages. Participants who always read the text messages practiced wearing facial masks (β=.074, P=.01) more frequently than those who did not. In terms of social distancing, participants who reported they always read the text messages avoided crowded places (β=.078, P=.01) and canceled or postponed social gatherings (β=.103, P<.001) more frequently than those who did not read the text messages. Furthermore, reading text messages directly and indirectly affected practicing precautionary behaviors, as the mediation effect of response efficacy between reading text messages and practicing preventive behaviors was significant.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that emergency alert text messages sent to individuals' mobile phones are timely and effective strategies for encouraging preventive behavior in public. Sending emergency alert text messages to provide the public with accurate and reliable information could be positively considered by the health authorities, which might reduce the negative impact of infodemics.

Reading text messages at different stages of pedestrian circumvention affects strategies for collision avoidance in young and older adults

BackgroundReading text messages is associated with accidents while walking in community places. Research questionTo what extent does reading text messages at different stages of obstacle circumvention affect avoidance strategies while walking in young vs. older adults? MethodsSixteen healthy young and 14 older adults were assessed while walking and viewing a virtual environment (VE) simulating a subway station with three virtual pedestrians positioned 7.5 m away from the participant in the centre (0°), left and right (±40°). As participants advanced 0.5 m towards a target in the far space, a virtual pedestrian randomly approached them. Text messages were delivered at onset of pedestrian movement (0.5 m; early message) or during obstacle circumvention (2.5 m; late message). A Vicon motion capture system captured trajectory displacement while walking. ResultsIn both age groups, accuracy of message report (AMR) was reduced for early compared to late messages (p < 0.001), although older adults showed larger deterioration (p < 0.001) compared to younger participants. Locomotor outcomes (obstacle clearance, onset time of avoidance and walking speed) showed no differences between young and older participants (p > 0.05). Early messages led to slower walking speed (p < 0.001) and more frequent collisions compared to late messages and the no-message condition. Late messages yielded faster walking speed (p < 0.001) and onset time of avoidance (p < 0.02) compared to the other conditions. SignificanceResults indicate that the stage of an avoidance strategy at which text messages are received impacts on pedestrian circumvention, with early messages posing a greater challenge to collision avoidance. In older adults, the reduced AMR suggests larger dual-task interference and prioritization of the walking task. The lack of further walking speed reduction in older vs. young adults may put them at greater risk of collisions in crowded, unpredictable community environments.

Factors related to cell phone use while driving based on the Theory of Planned Behavior among university students in Kerman, Iran.

:Background:There is a paucity of research examining the pattern of and factors that influence cell phone use while driving in Iran. This study aimed to report the prevalence of and factors related to cell phone use while driving based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, among a sample of college students in Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, in 2016. Participants volunteered to participate after the study was advertised. We used the Texting While Driving questionnaire (TWD) based on the theory of planned behavior for data collection and used SPSS 22 to calculate linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficients.Results:Two hundred and fifty-seven (n=257) students completed the questionnaire. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 47 years; 54.4% were females; 52.1% were single; 47.1% were undergraduate students, and 47.9% did not work. There was a significant relationship between intention toward sending and reading text messages while driving and gender, attitude, subjective norm, Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and moral norm. Also, there was a significant relation between willingness to send and read text messages while driving and PBC, subjective norm, group norm, and moral norm. For intention, personal factors were involved, and willingness was affected by both personal factors and friend/peer groups.Conclusions:Texting while driving is prevalent among college students in Kerman; and intention and willingness to do this, is affected by several factors. Our findings suggest needs for the individual and peer- group training, and increasing awareness about the dangers of using cell phones while driving among this sample.

Y TXT N DRIVE? Predictors of texting while driving among a sample of Ontario youth and young adults

Background: Distracted driving is of particular concern among young drivers. According to the 2012 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey, the greatest proportion of distraction prone drivers is within the 16–19 and 20–24 age groups. One relatively new distraction is texting while driving behaviour (TWD). TWD increases the amount of time drivers spend looking away from the road, slows reaction times and increases the risk of collisions by two-fold. To deter this behaviour many distracted driving campaigns focus on highlighting the risks and dangers of distracted driving; however, evidence suggests that youth and young adults continue to engage in TWD despite awareness of the related risks. Previous studies have examined constructs from the theory of planned behaviour as predictors of TWD (e.g., attitudes, intentions). Understanding the full range of factors that may influence this behaviour can inform the development of evidence-based public awareness campaigns and related interventions.Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to examine predictors of TWD behaviour among youth and young adults. We examined constructs from the theory of planned behaviour in addition to the role played by perceived TWD driving skills, experience with collisions due to TWD, descriptive norms (i.e., an individual’s beliefs about a behaviour that are gained as a result of observing the actions of others) and risk perceptions.Methods: An online survey was administered to 2001 Ontario youth and young adults examining potential predictors of TWD behaviour. Regression models were used to examine which key variables were associated with TWD (both reading and sending behaviour) among participants.Results: Overall, regression models had good predictability for reading and sending behaviours. Perceived TWD driving skills and ‘almost getting in a collision due to TWD’ were positively associated with TWD behaviour in the past week (both reading and sending behaviours). Descriptive norms were positively associated with sending text messages while driving in the past week, but were not significant for reading. In contrast, risk perceptions were positively associated with reading text messages in the past week but not sending.Discussion and conclusion: The results from this study highlight constructs that can be used to design interventions to deter young drivers from engaging in TWD. Interventions targeting perceived TWD driving skills and descriptive norms have the potential to be more effective than interventions emphasizing risk perceptions. Future studies are needed to better understand the relationships between these predictors and TWD behaviour among this population.

Accident ahead? Difficulties of drivers with and without reading impairment recognising words and pictograms in variable message signs

A timely and accurate acquisition of the information provided by variable message signs (VMS) can be crucial while driving. In the current study, we assess the difficulties of adults with dyslexia acquiring the information shown in VMS and provide evidence to discuss the controversial use of pictograms as potential countermeasures. Twenty-two adults with dyslexia and 22 matched controls completed a simulated driving session. The legibility of 12 VMS was assessed, including six text messages (e.g. “ACCIDENT”) and six single pictograms (e.g. the icon for “accident ahead”). On average, participants with dyslexia started reading text messages when they were closer to the VMS. In addition, while approaching text VMS, they dedicated more gazes and manifested worse control of speed. Regarding pictogram VMS, we observed no differences in response distance, accuracy, response duration, or number of gazes. To sum up, the evidence provided reveals that adults with dyslexia, despite potential compensation effects, may still find difficulties reading text messages in VMS (shorter legibility distances, longer reading times, and increased cognitive effort), whereas we found no such differences in the recognition of pictograms (only some difficulties keeping a steady speed). Research on inclusive measures to improve reading in low-skilled or dyslexic drivers must be encouraged.

A STUDY ON VISUAL LIMITATION OF AGE, NUMERICAL SIZE, AND EXPOSURE TIME WHILE USERS OPERATE MOBILE DEVICES.

Technological advances have driven the development of information technology (IT) products and communication using mobile devices has become a part of daily life. When using mobile devices, reading time and font size are important communication elements that significantly affect reading performance. However, studies of reading performance in older samples have mainly used printed material or computer monitors; this study examined the performance of users when reading text messages on the interfaces of mobile devices and described their visual limitations. Sixty-two participants took part in the experiment, which involved displaying different font sizes and exposure times. The younger group read 10-point font accurately, while the older group had much worse accuracy, even at 14 points. The younger group correctly read text messages displayed for 0.4 sec. above 80% of the time, while the older group's accuracy was severely impaired even when text was displayed for 1 sec.

Psychological predictors of texting while driving among university students

Although text messaging while driving is illegal in Spain previous research has shown that a substantial proportion of drivers, particularly young drivers, engage in this risky behaviour. The present study set out to investigate the psychological predictors of this behaviour using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This study also measured the drivers’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the ban on mobile phone use while driving, their perceived crash risk, the risk of being fined and the drivers perceived ability to compensate for the distraction caused by reading or writing text messages while driving. Data were collected using an online questionnaire from 1082 university students who were drivers and owned a mobile phone. Attitude and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted the intention to send and read text messages while driving, even after controlling for exposure and demographic variables. Furthermore, intention was found to be a significant predictor of retrospective measures of both sending and reading text messages while driving, as was perceived behavioural control for several of the outcome measures. The present findings provide support for the TPB and also demonstrate the additional contributions that the mobile phone ban and perceived ability to compensate for the distraction had in predicting intentions. In addition, perceived crash risk was positively related to the prediction of intentions to send text messages and the number of messages read in the last week. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Young driver distraction by text messaging: A comparison of the effects of reading and typing text messages in Chinese versus English

BackgroundReading and typing text messages while driving seriously impairs driving performance and are prohibited activities in many jurisdictions. Hong Kong is a bilingual society and many people write in both Chinese and English. As the input methods for text messaging in Chinese and English are considerably different, this study used a driving simulator approach to compare the effects of reading and typing Chinese and English text messages on driving performance. MethodThe driving performances of 26 participants were monitored under the following conditions: (1) no distraction, (2) reading and typing Chinese text messages, and (3) reading and typing English text messages. The following measures of driving performance were collected under all of the conditions: reaction time (RT), driving lane undulation (DLU), driving speed fluctuation (DSF), and car-following distance (CFD) between test and leading cars. ResultsRT, DLU, and DSF were significantly impaired by reading and typing both Chinese and English text messages. Moreover, typing text messages distracted drivers more than reading them. Although the Chinese text messaging input system is more complicated than the English system, the use of Chinese did not cause a significantly different degree of distraction. ConclusionBoth reading and typing text messages while driving should be prohibited regardless of whether Chinese or English is used.

An Examination of the Effect of Google Glass on Simulated Lane Keeping Performance

Head or helmet mounted displays, such as Google Glass, have the ability to deliver many features of a smartphone in a hands-free, wearable unit. Their use in various contexts including driving has, however, raised concerns about the possibility of distraction. This study aimed to examine whether, and to what extent, simulated lane keeping performance is affected by reading messages on Google Glass. Reading text messages requires a high level of visual resources and can interfere with driving. However, it is currently unclear if the impact of reading text messages on a head-mounted display such as Glass will differ to that found with mobile phones given that drivers do not have to shift their gaze as far or make head movements away from the roadway to read messages on the Glass. A total of 20 drivers (22-48 yrs) completed the Lane Change Test while not performing any secondary task and while reading text messages on Glass or a smartphone. Measures of lateral vehicle control were examined along with subjective workload. Results revealed that drivers’ lane keeping ability was significantly impaired by reading text messages on both the Glass and the mobile phone. In terms of subjective workload, drivers rated reading on the Glass as subjectively easier than on the mobile phone, primarily because they did not have to shift their gaze as far to read on the Glass. Overall, the study results suggest that, despite the Glass allowing drivers to maintain their visual focus on the forward scene, drivers are unable to effectively divide their attention across the Glass display and the road environment, resulting in impaired lane keeping performance.

A meta-analysis of the effects of texting on driving

Text messaging while driving is considered dangerous and known to produce injuries and fatalities. However, the effects of text messaging on driving performance have not been synthesized or summarily estimated. All available experimental studies that measured the effects of text messaging on driving were identified through database searches using variants of “driving” and “texting” without restriction on year of publication through March 2014. Of the 1476 abstracts reviewed, 82 met general inclusion criteria. Of these, 28 studies were found to sufficiently compare reading or typing text messages while driving with a control or baseline condition. Independent variables (text-messaging tasks) were coded as typing, reading, or a combination of both. Dependent variables included eye movements, stimulus detection, reaction time, collisions, lane positioning, speed and headway. Statistics were extracted from studies to compute effect sizes (rc). A total sample of 977 participants from 28 experimental studies yielded 234 effect size estimates of the relationships among independent and dependent variables. Typing and reading text messages while driving adversely affected eye movements, stimulus detection, reaction time, collisions, lane positioning, speed and headway. Typing text messages alone produced similar decrements as typing and reading, whereas reading alone had smaller decrements over fewer dependent variables. Typing and reading text messages affects drivers’ capability to adequately direct attention to the roadway, respond to important traffic events, control a vehicle within a lane and maintain speed and headway. This meta-analysis provides convergent evidence that texting compromises the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users. Combined efforts, including legislation, enforcement, blocking technologies, parent modeling, social media, social norms and education, will be required to prevent continued deaths and injuries from texting and driving.

What’s driving illegal mobile phone use? Psychosocial influences on drivers’ intentions to use hand-held mobile phones

Australian drivers’ use of hand-held mobile phones is increasing in prevalence, despite the illegal nature of this behaviour. Research investigating the psychosocial influences on drivers’ intentions to use hand-held mobile phones is limited. The present research utilised the theory of planned behaviour, extended with descriptive norm, to investigate the psychosocial influences on drivers’ intentions to use a hand-held mobile phone. The behaviours associated with mobile phone use were categorised into initiating and responding behaviour. Answering calls and reading text messages were categorised as responding behaviour, on the basis that these two behaviours have been associated with social pressure to respond. Making calls and sending text messages were categorised as initiating behaviour. A sample of 181 drivers from the general population, aged 18–66years, completed an online survey. The survey assessed attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, descriptive norm, past behaviour and intention, in relation to initiating and responding behaviour. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and descriptive norm were all significant predictors of drivers’ intentions to engage in both initiating and responding behaviour. However, drivers reported significantly greater intentions to engage in responding behaviour and reported engaging in responding behaviour more frequently than initiating behaviour, indicating that social pressure to respond may play an important role in drivers’ illegal use of hand-held mobile phones.

Individual differences and propensity to engage with in-vehicle distractions – A self-report survey

Ratings of severity and frequency of engagement with distracting driver behaviours are reported in this paper. Survey data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire. Four hundred eighty-two respondents contributed to the survey during a 2 month data collection period. Results indicate that the three behaviours rated as most distracting when driving were (i) writing text messages (41%), (ii) reading text messages (62%), and (iii) using a cellular telephone hand-held (52%). The three most frequently reported distracting behaviours that resulted in accidents were (i) ‘interaction with child passengers’ 2.1% (near misses = 7.5%), (ii) both, route guidance destination entry with 2% (near misses = 2.8%) and use of an ‘… add-on media device, e.g., an iPod’ with 2% (near misses = 3.9%), and (iii) the three items ‘reading a text message’, ‘following advice from a route guidance system’, and ‘interaction with pets’, all with 1.7% of respondents reporting an accident when undertaking the activity (with 6.5%, 3%, and 2.2% respectively for near misses). Two hierarchical regression models were explored. The first introducing personal factors, i.e., age, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability and intellect (R2 = 0.131, p < 0.001). The second controlled for variables in the first model and introduced driver-related variables, mileage, penalty points, and frequency of accidents with assumed responsibility (R2 = 0.253, p < 0.001). This model identified age, extraversion, mileage, penalty points and accidents all to be significant predictors of engagement with unnecessary distractions. The data presents a picture of widespread awareness of, and engagement with, distracting behaviours by drivers in the United Kingdom. Findings from the hierarchical regressions suggest scope may exist to mediate the levels of distracting behaviours by exploring individual differences and driving styles.

Mobile phone use while driving: An investigation of the beliefs influencing drivers’ hands-free and hand-held mobile phone use

This study explored the psychological influences of hands-free and hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Participants were 796 Australian drivers aged 17-76 years who owned mobile phones. A cross-sectional survey assessed frequency of calling and text messaging while driving (overall, hands-free, hand-held) as well as drivers' behavioural, normative, and control beliefs relating to mobile phone use while driving. Irrespective of handset type, 43% of drivers reported answering calls while driving on a daily basis, followed by making calls (36%), reading text messages (27%), and sending text messages (18%). In total, 63.9% of drivers did not own hands-free kits and, of the drivers that owned hand-free kits, 32% did not use it most or all of the time. Significant differences were found in the behavioural, normative, and control beliefs of frequent and infrequent users of both types of handset while driving. As expected, frequent users reported more advantages of, more approval from others for, and fewer barriers that would prevent them from, using either a hands-free or a hand-held mobile phone while driving than infrequent users. Campaigns to reduce mobile phone use while driving should attempt to minimise the perceived benefits of the behaviour and highlight the risks of this unsafe driving practice.

Reading Sources and Reading Spaces in Honduras

Though literacy is often presented as a universal and monolithic achievement, it is in fact context-dependent, and largely dependent upon the kinds of texts available in a particular community. This paper presents an observer’s study of reading in Honduras, focusing particularly on the availability of reading materials and spaces dedicated to reading and literacy practices. Environments studied included bookstores, libraries, schools, and Internet cafés, as well as streets and shops. Reading books was observed to be relatively uncommon and primarily done in an educational context. Other reading materials, including newspapers, magazines, and text messages, were far more commonly used and far better integrated into the Honduran society. My observations suggest that libraries could play an important supporting role in Honduras’ efforts to establish universal literacy.

Dynamic Display of in-Vehicle Text Messages: The Impact of Varying Line Length and Scrolling Rate

This study examined the effect of varying dynamic display characteristics of in-vehicle text messages on visual sampling behavior. Sixteen participants navigated a simulated driving environment while reading text messages on an in-vehicle display. Each participant was exposed to four combinations of message segment length (short or long) and scrolling rate (slow or fast). Visual sampling was measured by the frequency and duration of glances to the display and the roadway, and comprehension of messages was measured by a series of post-drive questions. Results showed that varying segment length and scrolling rate affected the number of glances made to the display, but not their duration. Participants adjusted their reading rate to accommodate the rate at which messages scrolled, which protected reading comprehension but reduced the time spent viewing the roadway as the rate increased.