Journal of Ergonomics

Introduction: Driving is a complex task engaging high level of cognitive and motor processes. Adding to this complexity, engagement in cognitive secondary tasks such as talking with other passengers, speaking on the cell phone or listening to radio may effect driving performance. In addition, age-related cognitive limitations may adversely challenge driving performance. As the number of elderly drivers is rising, it is important to pay more attention to this matter.

Methods: The effects of cognitive secondary tasks on driving performance were explored through two on-road experiments (with and without listening to a recorded dialogue). In this study thirty-two individuals (male, M = 72.6, SD = 5.43) voluntarily took part in the experiments. The mean driving speed, duration of driving in unsafe-zones, numbers of overtaking, and deviation of lateral lane position were recorded, adopting a radar system and video camera. After determination of the normality of data, paired t test and correlation analysis were conducted.

Results: Mean driving speed (P < 0.05), duration of driving in an unsafe zone (P < 0.05), and numbers of overtaking (P < 0.001) showed considerable reduction of participants’ engagement in listening to the recorded dialogue. In contrast, mean deviation of lateral lane position increased.

Conclusions: The findings revealed that driving performance of elderly drivers was effected when listening to a recorded dialogue. However, in order to increase driving safety, they adopted some compensating strategies.