The analysis of drivers’ reaction time using cell phone in the case of vehicle stabilization task

Objectives The article analyzes the driver’s psychophysiological qualities such as complex reaction and individual ability to control the vehicle that has suddenly lost its stability. The comparative analysis of the duration of reaction time was performed to assess the negative influence of speaking on a phone and driving with one hand. Material and Methods The experimental research was carried out on special training grounds with the road surface having low adhesion coefficient, where sudden lateral vehicle destabilization was caused by the moving plate mounted on the road surface. The vehicle onboard equipment was used for identifying the difference between the destabilization moment and the responsive driver’s steering wheel movement which in this research was assumed as the reaction time. Results Statistical methods of research applied for the analysis of results showed high probability that the driver’s actions would be significantly late in controlling a vehicle. When stabilizing a vehicle movement, the complex reaction time of a vehicle driver speaking on a mobile phone is increased by 18.1% as compared with the conventional driving by a driver not speaking on a phone. Conclusions The risk of using the phone depends on the driver characteristics, traits and attitudes that affect the level of their experienced dangers, and the intensity of using mobile phones and driving. Speaking on a phone while driving increases the driver’s reaction time and mental workload, and changes his or her visual overview ability as well as understanding of the situation. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(5):633–648