CHAPTER 4 The Peripheral Detection Task (PDT): On-line Measurement of Driver Cognitive Workload and Selective Attention

This book focuses on the study of secondary task demands imposed by in-vehicle devices on the driver while driving. It provides a mechanism for researchers to evaluate how in-vehicle devices such as navigation systems – as well as other devices such as cell phones – affect driver distraction and impact safety. This book, which features the work presented by international experts at the 4th International Driver Metrics Workshop, in June 2008, offers a summary of the current state of driver metrics research. Edited by workshop moderator Dr. Gary L. Rupp, the book introduces vital information to support the design of in-vehicle information and communication systems (IVIS). Topics covered include: • Driver object and event detection • Peripheral detection tasks (PDT) • Tactile-based detection tasks (TDT) • Modified Sternberg method for assessing visual and cognitive load of in-vehicle tasks • Modified Sternberg method for assessing peripheral detection task and lane change tests • The relationship between performance metrics and crash risk • Characterizing driver behaviors observed in naturalist driving studies • Developing metrics from lane change test studies