New research demonstrates that even when drivers have their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, they may still be distracted, according to the Canadian Automobile Association.
An intensive research project, underwritten by the association's partner, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found that cognitive distraction is real.
In other words, activities ranging from listening to the radio to engaging with text-to-audio software distract the brain from focusing on the road, even if physically drivers are doing what they should.
The research, released earlier this month, was conducted by a team at the University of Utah.
They used medical technology and driving simulators to measure what actually happens inside the brain while drivers were asked to perform a range of tasks such as listening to an audio book.
Research findings showed that reaction times are slowed, brain function is compromised and motorists often miss potential environmental cues such as stop signs, pedestrians or other cars while engaged in mentally distracting tasks.
"This research shows the old advice is still the best - focus on driving in the car, and leave other tasks for the side of the road or once you reach your destination," Jeff Walker, the association's vice-president of public affairs, said in a press release. "We look forward to seeing the results of the next stages as we consider the implications of these important findings."
Phase Two of the research will attempt an in-depth ranking of the danger level of the various mental tasks people do in cars, using the same way of measuring and comparing different types of distractions.
