Driver visual attention and in-vehicle touchscreen: the role of short training session

Abrar Hazoor; Giuseppe Marinelli

doi:10.55329/xznx4003

Authors

Abrar Hazoor Nord University, Norway https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4963-056X
Giuseppe Marinelli Nord University, Norway https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1457-0584

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55329/xznx4003

Keywords:

distraction, driver training, driving simulator, eye movement behaviour, touchscreen, visual attention, Northern Europe

Abstract

The growing integration of in-vehicle centre stack touchscreens has enhanced driver access to information and control systems but raised significant safety concerns due to increased visual distraction. This study investigates whether a short pre-drive training session can mitigate distraction and improve driver interaction with in-vehicle touchscreen. Using a driving simulator and eye-tracking technology, 60 licensed Norwegian drivers were assigned to trained and untrained groups to compare visual attention patterns during secondary tasks involving touchscreen use. Results showed that while all participants exhibited high visual demand on the touchscreen, trained drivers demonstrated slightly lower fixation counts, shorter durations, and reduced self-transition probabilities within the touchscreen area, suggesting more efficient and potentially safer interactions. However, these differences were not statistically significant, indicating a limited effect of the short training provided. The findings highlight the complexity of the touchscreen interface and potential of pre-drive touchscreen familiarization in improving visual attention.

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Author Biographies

Abrar Hazoor, Nord University, Norway

Dr. Abrar Hazoor earned his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Italy in November 2022. He also holds a master's degree in civil engineering, with a specialization in risk mitigation, from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. Since March 2023, he has been working as a researcher in the Road Traffic Division at Nord University, Norway. His research focuses on driver behaviour and road safety, with particular emphasis on the impact of advanced vehicle and road technologies on driving performance.

CRediT contribution: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft.

Giuseppe Marinelli, Nord University, Norway

Dr. Giuseppe Marinelli is currently entitled as Associate Professor in ‘Technology & Mobility’ at the NORD University, Stjørdal, Norway. In 2011 he got his master's degree as Civil Engineer, and in 2015 his PhD, from the Politecnico di Torino, Italy. He did his postdoc at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. During his career he has mainly worked on topics such as road geometric design, road alignment acquisition and reconstruction, operating speed and energy models in road transport, risk assessment and management, resilience in road infrastructures, mobility as a service (MaaS), transport electrification, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Since 2022 he is appointed as the Head of TRAFIKKLAB, a research and education lab dealing with the impact of innovative technologies in road infrastructures and vehicles on driving behaviour and road safety.

CRediT contribution: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

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