Understanding the Relationship between Driving Behaviors and Attentional Function Measured by Clinical Assessment for Attention

Abstract

Many traffic fatalities are attributed to driver inattention, and numerous public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives have been conducted. This study posits that linking attention to driving and providing relevant information are essential to translating increased awareness into practical action. Therefore, we focused on attentional functions, for which standardized assessment methods are established, and analyzed the relationship between these functions and individual driving behaviors. Data on vehicle and driver behavior were collected through indoor driving experiments using a driving simulator, and data on attentional functions were gathered from attention assessments conducted after the driving experiments. The findings revealed that individuals with lower ability to sustain focus on a task had difficulty maintaining vehicle position. Additionally, those with reduced ability to inhibit irrelevant stimuli and maintain focus on the intended target experienced delays in recognizing signage. Furthermore, individuals with diminished capability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously demonstrated reduced rates of forward gaze.