Title

Google Glass: A Driver Distraction Cause or Cure?

Authors

Authors

B. D. Sawyer; V. S. Finomore; A. A. Calvo;P. A. Hancock

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Hum. Factors

Keywords

attention; mobile; wearable; SMS; texting; DRIVING PERFORMANCE; COGNITIVE DOMAINS; MENTAL WORKLOAD; PHONE USE; INTERFERENCE; ATTENTION; MODEL; BACK; TASK; Behavioral Sciences; Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology, ; Applied; Psychology

Abstract

Objective: We assess the driving distraction potential of texting with Google Glass (Glass), a mobile wearable platform capable of receiving and sending short-message-service and other messaging formats. Background: A known roadway danger, texting while driving has been targeted by legislation and widely banned. Supporters of Glass claim the head-mounted wearable computer is designed to deliver information without concurrent distraction. Existing literature supports the supposition that design decisions incorporated in Glass might facilitate messaging for drivers. Method: We asked drivers in a simulator to drive and use either Glass or a smartphone-based messaging interface, then interrupted them with an emergency brake event. Both the response event and subsequent recovery were analyzed. Results: Glass-delivered messages served to moderate but did not eliminate distracting cognitive demands. A potential passive cost to drivers merely wearing Glass was also observed. Messaging using either device impaired driving as compared to driving without multitasking. Conclusion: Glass in not a panacea as some supporters claim, but it does point the way to design interventions that effect reduced load in multitasking. Application: Discussions of these identified benefits are framed within the potential of new in-vehicle systems that bring both novel forms of distraction and tools for mitigation into the driver's seat.

Journal Title

Human Factors

Volume

56

Issue/Number

7

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

1307

Last Page

1321

WOS Identifier

WOS:000344394600009

ISSN

0018-7208

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