ABSTRACT
We present initial results pertaining to a research program focused on investigating drivers’ compensatory behavior when conversing on a mobile device. The research seeks to connect the empirical research finding that driving performance degrades when conversing on a mobile device to the naturalistic driving research finding that conversing on a mobile device is associated with a decreased risk of a safety-critical event (SCE). The current study investigated the mean speed of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) when drivers were either conversing, or not conversing, on a mobile device. The mean speed when drivers engaged in other mobile device subtasks was also explored. Speed across device use was investigated in low, moderate, and high driving task demands using selection criteria developed in Fitch & Hanowski (Fitch & Hanowski, 2011). We found that CMV drivers’ mean speed does not decrease when engaged in any mobile device use. Furthermore, drivers’ mean speed when conversing on a cell phone increased by 4 km/h in low driving task demands, and by 2 km/h in moderate driving task demands. CMV drivers may not decrease their speed because they are subject to greater economic pressures to reach their destination on time. They do regulate their mobile device use, however. Mobile device use was significantly less in high driving task demands.
