Cognitive and Behavioral Differences Between Morning-Type and Evening-Type Drivers in China

Abstract

Individual differences in morningness-eveningness preference may influence susceptibility and response to sleepiness. These differences could influence driving performance, but the influence of morningness-eveningness preference on driving behavior and accident risk has not been comprehensively studied. This study explored the difference between Morning-type and evening type drivers in cognitive ability and driving behaviors. The results showed that evening type drivers reported more dangerous driving behavior, as measured by the Dula Dangerous Driving Index, especially with risky driving and negative emotional driving behaviour. For cognitive abilities, the results showed that there was a main effect of chronotype on the accuracy and reaction time of visual search, and the accuracy of visual-spatial working memory. More specifically, the evening type persons demonstrated better visual search and spatial working memory ability than morning type persons. These results implied the influence of chronotype on driving behavior and the implications of these results are also discussed.