Effects of using a cell phone on gaze movements during simulated car driving: Hand-held and hands-free conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using a cell phone, operated in handheld (HAN) or speaker mode (SPK), on driver’s gaze movements during a driving simulation. Ten novice and ten experienced drivers had their line-of-gaze kinematics measured while driving. In the cell phone use conditions, participants answered easy, everyday life questions. Results revealed that, as compared to a control (CON) condition, the number of visual fixations and vertical gaze variance were significantly increased and relative visual fixation time was significantly reduced during SPK and HAN conditions. Additionally, horizontal gaze variance was significantly increased under the SPK condition, as compared to CON condition. Novice and experienced drivers presented similar gaze behaviors. In short, talking on the cell phone disturbed attention due a decrease in eye’s stability. Increased number of fixations with shorter durations tended to hamper the ability to obtain relevant visual information for safe driving.