Google Glass: A Driver Distraction Cause or Cure?

    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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