Conference Proceeding

Differential Effects of Focal and Ambient Visual Processing Demands on Driving Performance

Authors: John K Lenneman (Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant) , Joseph Lenneman (Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant) , Nicholas Cassavaugh (Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant) , Richard Backs (Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant)

Abstract

In this study, the differential effects of focal and ambient visual demand on driving were investigated. Subjects participated in a dual-task experiment in which they performed a driving simulation task and a focal or ambient side-task. It was predicted that the focal side-task would cause a significant deterioration in the maintenance of longitudinal control but not lateral control, while there should be no effects of the ambient side-task on driving performance. In general, the results suggest a differentiation in the processing demands of focal and ambient vision.

Keywords:

How to Cite: Lenneman, J. , Lenneman, J. , Cassavaugh, N. & Backs, R. (2009) “Differential Effects of Focal and Ambient Visual Processing Demands on Driving Performance”, Driving Assessment Conference. 5(2009). doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1336