A method of driver distraction evaluation using fuzzy logic: Phone usage as a driver's secondary activity: Case study

A novel method for evaluating driver distraction and situation awareness while performing a secondary task using a fuzzy set theory is proposed in this paper. A fuzzy inference engine realization process based on simple matrix operations is described in detail. The drivers' performance is evaluated referring to the vehicle behavior, in particular, the abilities to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane and to observe the speed limit. The evaluation technique was tested on a vehicle mock-up driving simulator. Text messaging on a cell phone is studied as a secondary distractive activity. Driver-in-the-loop experimental results as well as the conclusions regarding different age, gender, and driving experience groups are discussed.