Abstract
An increasing number of drivers have been using their smartphones by placing them in the vicinity of their dashboards. In this study, we experimentally examined whether this usage impairs the driver's attention. Images of three side-by-side cars were presented on a monitor positioned 240 cm away from participants. They were asked to detect brake lights. A 5-inch monitor was placed on the left side of the participant's vicinity and then presented the image of the smartphone. The monitor was set to present a notification image and sound in 20% of all trials. We manipulated the congruency (congruent or incongruent) between the position of the notifications and brake lights and the SOA (100, 300, or 1000 ms) between them. Results showed that the reaction time in the SOA 100 ms condition, immediately after notification, was delayed more than in the SOA 300 ms and SOA 1000 ms conditions. This result suggests that attention is captured by the notification of the device placed near the driver's seat, which delays the detection of changes in the road environment ahead that occur immediately after the notification.
