A Study of the Effect of Varying Visual Occlusion and Task Duration Conditions on Driver Behavior and Performance while Using a Secondary Task Human-Machine Interface

A study of the effect on driver behavior and performance of varying occlusion parameters and secondary task duration was accomplished using the Dynamic Research, Inc. (DRI) Driving Simulator. Driver glance behavior and performance under comparable primary and secondary task conditions that were driver paced (no occlusion) were studied also. Both occlusion goggles and screen blanking means to interrupt vision were investigated. The several experimental phases included baseline primary driving task only, baseline secondary task only (no occlusion), secondary task with occlusion or screen blanking, primary driving task with goggles occlusion, and primary and secondary tasks combined, driver paced, with no occlusion or screen blanking. The secondary task human-machine interface (HMI) was a generic alpha entry task using a touch screen, located high in the center console. Occlusion parameters (open and closed times) were varied systematically over a wide range, and secondary task durations of up to 2 minutes were investigated. Driver glance data, driver/vehicle response and performance measures, and secondary task behavior measures are presented as a function of the experimental variables. The results show preferred values of occlusion parameters, as well as possible boundaries, and the effect of secondary task duration on driver behavior and performance.