Susceptibility to Driver Distraction Questionnaire

Feng, Jing; Marulanda, Susana; Donmez, Birsen · 2014 · Crossref

DOI: 10.3141/2434-04

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This paper addresses the need for a standardized tool to assess individual susceptibility to driver distraction, a significant contributor to motor vehicle crashes. The authors argue that understanding the underlying reasons for distraction engagement is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. Specifically, the study distinguishes between voluntary distraction, driven by attitudes and beliefs, and involuntary distraction, linked to cognitive limitations and attentional capabilities. To this end, the researchers developed and initially evaluated the Susceptibility to Driver Distraction Questionnaire (SDDQ). The SDDQ consists of 39 items divided into three sections: engagement frequency, facilitators of voluntary distraction, and susceptibility to involuntary distraction. The voluntary section is grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, measuring attitude, perceived control, and perceived social norms. The involuntary section assesses the ability to suppress distracting stimuli. An online survey was conducted with 254 licensed drivers aged 15 to 77 to evaluate the questionnaire’s reliability and validity. Participants also completed standardized measures of driving behavior (Driver Behavior Questionnaire), cognitive distractibility (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire), attention deficits (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale), and personality traits (impulsiveness and sensation seeking). The results demonstrated moderate to high internal consistency across SDDQ sections, supporting its reliability. Validity analyses revealed that self-reported distraction engagement correlated positively with other unsafe driving behaviors, such as aggressive violations and ordinary violations. As hypothesized, voluntary distraction scores were associated with personality traits like venturesomeness and sensation seeking, indicating that risk-prone individuals hold more positive attitudes toward distracted driving. Conversely, susceptibility to involuntary distraction was linked to cognitive measures, including higher scores on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and self-reported driving errors and lapses. Notably, drivers who found external stimuli distracting tended to hold less positive attitudes toward distraction and perceived lower control over their driving performance. Gender differences were observed, with men scoring higher on voluntary distraction measures, particularly in the older mid-age group. The study concludes that the SDDQ is a useful tool for distinguishing between the psychological and cognitive factors driving distraction engagement. By separating voluntary and involuntary aspects, the questionnaire can aid in recruiting participants for distraction-related studies and developing personalized mitigation strategies. The authors note that while self-report methods provide valuable insights, further validation in controlled laboratory and naturalistic driving settings is necessary to confirm the questionnaire’s predictive power regarding actual driving behavior.

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Topics

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• mind wandering
• external distraction
• visual
• dbq psychometrics
• cognitive
• temporal

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence
• Theoretical Contribution: conceptual framework, theory or model