The effect of audio materials from a rear-seat audiovisual entertainment system or from radio on simulated driving

In-car audiovisual entertainment systems are increasingly prevalent, yet research on which to base appropriate legislation regarding their use is lacking. Current legislation seeks to prevent drivers from seeing the audiovisual display within their own vehicle. However, research suggests that the auditory materials alone may result in cognitive and auditory distraction that impairs driving. In a driving simulator experiment, 27 participants completed drives under each of three conditions: without audio materials, with audio materials from a movie, and with audio materials from radio. Performance was measured in terms of lateral control, speed control, and response to hazards. Participants provided self-reports of distraction and driving impairment. Audio materials appeared to have minimal effects on driving, perhaps because listening while driving is fairly well practiced and easily modulated, and does not involve speech production. There appears to be no need for regulations relating to such auditory entertainment materials. Nonetheless, further research is required regarding the effects of multiple concurrent distractors on real-world driving.