Driver distraction: Methodological review

Abstract

Driver distraction is the main cause of crashes and near-crash incidences all over the world. For conducting research on driver distraction various methodologies have been adopted by researchers as found in the literature. These methods follow driving performance metrics to assess the level of driver distraction. In the present paper, popularly used driver distraction assessment techniques (viz. ʼnaturalistic driving study’, ‘driving simulator study’, ‘visual behaviour’, ‘visual occlusion”, ‘lane change task’, and ‘peripheral detection task’) have been reviewed with the main focus of demonstrating their effectiveness (accuracy), ease of use, efficiency (time required), advantages and disadvantages. It is expected that information presented in this review would be helpful for designers, engineers, and researchers to understand the superiority of one technique above another and would motivate them to perform empirical studies in this regard. The present review would also be beneficial for researchers to decide feasible and right technique or combination of techniques for their intended study on driver distraction.