Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Carnegie Mellon study shows just listening to cell phones significantly impairs drivers

Carnegie Mellon study shows just listening to cell phones significantly impairs drivers

March 05, 2008

Brain imaging reveals drivers are distracted even if they don't talk

PITTSBURGH- Carnegie Mellon University scientists have shown that just listening to a cell phone while driving is a significant distraction, and it causes drivers to commit some of the same types of driving errors that can occur under the influence of alcohol.




The use of cell phones, including dialing and texting, has long been a safety concern for drivers. But the Carnegie Mellon study, for the first time, used brain imaging to document that listening alone reduces by 37 percent the amount of brain activity associated with driving. This can cause drivers to weave out of their lane, based on the performance of subjects using a driving simulator.

The findings, to be reported in an upcoming issue of the journal Brain Research, show that making cell phones hands-free or voice-activated is not sufficient in eliminating distractions to drivers. "Drivers need to keep not only their hands on the wheel; they also have to keep their brains on the road," said neuroscientist Marcel Just, director of the Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging.

Other distractions, such as eating, listening to the radio or talking with a passenger, also can divert a driver. Though it is not known how these activities compare to cell phone use, Just said there are reasons to believe cell phones may be especially distracting. "Talking on a cell phone has a special social demand, such that not attending to the cell conversation can be interpreted as rude, insulting behavior," he noted. A passenger, by contrast, is likely to recognize increased demands on the driver's attention and stop talking.

The 29 study volunteers used a driving simulator while inside an MRI brain scanner. They steered a car along a virtual winding road at a fixed, challenging speed, either while they were undisturbed, or while they were deciding whether a sentence they heard was true or false. Just's team used state-of-the-art functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods to measure activity in 20,000 brain locations, each about the size of a peppercorn. Measurements were made every second.

The driving-while-listening condition produced a 37 percent decrease in activity of the brain's parietal lobe, which is associated with driving. This portion of the brain integrates sensory information and is critical for spatial sense and navigation. Activity was also reduced in the occipital lobe, which processes visual information.

The other impact of driving-while-listening was a significant deterioration in the quality of driving. Subjects who were listening committed more lane maintenance errors, such as hitting a simulated guardrail, and deviating from the middle of the lane. Both kinds of influences decrease the brain's capacity to drive well, and that decrease can be costly when the margin for error is small.

"The clear implication is that engaging in a demanding conversation could jeopardize judgment and reaction time if an atypical or unusual driving situation arose," Just said. "Heavy traffic is no place for an involved personal or business discussion, let alone texting."

Because driving and listening draw on two different brain networks, scientists had previously suspected that the networks could work independently on each task. But Just said this study demonstrates that there is only so much that the brain can do at one time, no matter how different the two tasks are.

The study emerges from the new field of neuroergonomics, which combines brain science with human-computer interaction studies that measure how well a technology matches human capabilities. Neuroergonomics is beginning to be applied to the operation of vehicles like aircraft, ships and cars in which drivers now have navigation systems, iPods and even DVD players at their disposal. Every additional input to a driver consumes some of his or her brain capacity, taking away some of the resources that monitor for other vehicles, lane markers, obstacles, and sudden changes in conditions.

"Drivers' seats in many vehicles are becoming highly instrumented cockpits," Just said, "and during difficult driving situations, they require the undivided attention of the driver's brain."

Carnegie Mellon University



Related Cell Phone Current Events and Cell Phone News Articles Cell Phone Current Events and Cell Phone News RSS Cell Phone Current Events and Cell Phone News RSS
Scavenging energy waste to turn water into hydrogen fuel
Materials scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have designed a way to harvest small amounts of waste energy and harness them to turn water into usable hydrogen fuel.

Program could help teens control asthma
An asthma program specifically tailored to teens could help those in rural areas manage their disease and avoid potentially fatal complications, Medical College of Georgia researchers say.

MIT researchers discover new way of producing electricity
A team of scientists at MIT have discovered a previously unknown phenomenon that can cause powerful waves of energy to shoot through minuscule wires known as carbon nanotubes.

Call forwarding: New NIST procedure could speed cell phone testing
By accurately re-creating the jumbled wireless signal environment of a city business district in a special indoor test facility, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have shown how the wireless industry could lop hours off the process of testing the capabilities of new cellular phones.

Optical system promises to revolutionize undersea communications
In a technological advance that its developers are likening to the cell phone and wireless Internet access, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists and engineers have devised an undersea optical communications system that-complemented by acoustics-enables a virtual revolution in high-speed undersea data collection and transmission.

Many Americans Would Delay Taking Recommended Antibiotics after Anthrax Attack, Poll Finds
In a national poll aimed at helping with planning efforts for a public health response to a possible bioterrorism attack, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have found that, in response to a fictional scenario describing a significant anthrax attack in their city or town, most Americans (89%) will likely follow public health recommendations to obtain prophylactic antibiotics.

Clemson researchers develop hands-free texting application
Clemson University researchers have developed a hands-free alternative to cell phone texting while driving.

Nearly half of Americans believe H1N1 outbreak is over, poll finds
The latest poll from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) shows that almost half of Americans believe the H1N1 flu outbreak is over (44%), and levels of concern about getting sick with the virus continue to decline. Few (18%) think it is "very likely" there will be another widespread outbreak of the H1N1 virus in the U.S. during the next 12 months, although a larger share of the population (43%) does say such an outbreak is "somewhat likely."

Driven to distraction: New study shows driving hinders talking
It is well known that having a conversation (for example on a cell phone) impairs one's driving. A new study indicates the reverse is also true: Driving reduces one's ability to comprehend and use language.

An electrifying advance toward tomorrow's power suits
Could powering an iPod or cell phone become as easy as plugging it into your tee shirt or jeans, and then recharging the clothing overnight?
More Cell Phone Current Events and Cell Phone News Articles
Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Motorola DROID A855 Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
by Motorola

The first Android-powered phone for Verizon Wireless, the 3G-enabled Motorola DROID smartphone offers a full package of powerful mobile connectivity--from easy access to all your social networks and viewing of full Web sites to spoken turn-by-turn directions thanks to the new Google Maps with Navigation Beta app. One of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available, the Motorola DROID also features a high-resolution 3.7-inch touchscreen display and a virtual onscreen keyboard that auto-rotates depending on the phone's orientation. And you'll be able to capture high-resolution images and DVD-quality videos on the go with its 5-megapixel camera with flash.



The Motorola DROID offers the powerful Android 2.0 operating system, fast and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G...

BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone (AT&T)

BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone (AT&T)
by BlackBerry

Powerful and refined, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone for AT&T includes built-in support for both AT&T's fast 3G network as well as access to the nation's largest Wi-Fi network with more than 20,000 U.S. hotspots--including approximately 7,000 Starbucks locations. The Bold 9700 offers fast data delivery and an enhanced Web-browsing experience that lets you connect quickly to social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. And, of course, you'll enjoy all the communication and connectivity features you've come to expect from a BlackBerry phone--including email served up by the BlackBerry Internet Service and a full menu of messaging options (SMS, MMS, and IM).



The BlackBerry Bold 9700 runs on AT&T's fast 3G network, and it offers free Wi-Fi access to more than...

BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone (T-Mobile)

BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone (T-Mobile)
by BlackBerry

Powerful and refined, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone for T-Mobile includes built-in support for both 3G connectivity and voice calls over Wi-Fi networks (802.11b/g). Enabled for T-Mobile's expanding high-speed 3G network, the Bold 9700 offers fast data delivery and an enhanced Web-browsing experience that lets you connect quickly to social networking sites such as Facebook. And, of course, you'll enjoy all the communication and connectivity features you've come to expect from a BlackBerry phone--including email served up by the BlackBerry Internet Service and a full menu of messaging options (SMS, MMS, and IM).



The BlackBerry Bold offers built-in support for 3G cellular connectivity and both data downloads and voice calls over Wi-Fi.

Other features...

BlackBerry Storm2 9550 Phone (Verizon Wireless)

BlackBerry Storm2 9550 Phone (Verizon Wireless)
by BlackBerry

Stay connected to the people, places and things that matter most with the BlackBerry Storm2 from Verizon Wireless, the second generation of RIM's innovative and award-winning touchscreen smartphone. Featuring the BlackBerry OS 5.0, the Storm2 is enhanced with an improved touchscreen platform, larger internal memory (now 2 GB), Wi-Fi networking capabilities (802.11b/g), and hundreds of hardware and software enhancements. And whether traveling to Europe or Asia, the Storm2 provides globetrotters the freedom of reliable global connectivity with the reliable Verizon Wireless high-speed 3G CDMA network here in the United States and compatibility with GSM and 3G UMTS networks abroad.



The BlackBerry Storm2 offers an enhanced SurePress touchscreen display, Wi-Fi capabilities, and a...

Motorola Motofone F3 Unlocked Phone with Dual-Band GSM 850/1900--International Version with No Warranty (Black)

Motorola Motofone F3 Unlocked Phone with Dual-Band GSM 850/1900--International Version with No Warranty (Black)
by Motorola

The MOTOFONE handset redefines wireless communication with high design, smart features and easy functionality at a low price. Combining Motorola’s award-winning design sensibility with intuitive and easy-to-learn functionality, the MOTOFONE enables even the newest phone users to embrace mobile communication with confidence and style. Connecting the unconnected-Billions of people around the world have yet to make a phone call — and billions more have only just begun to explore wireless technology. The need for communication is growing and the demand for cost-effective phones keeps increasing. The MOTOFONE is designed to specifically meet the universal desire to stay connected — with friends, family, and business associates, old and new. Speaking your language-To help bridge literacy...

BlackBerry Curve 8900 Phone, Black (AT&T)

BlackBerry Curve 8900 Phone, Black (AT&T)
by BlackBerry

Updating the look of the Curve with a sleekly styled titanium finish, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 for AT&T is the thinnest and lightest full-QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone yet. In addition to its stunning good looks--with titanium-colored finish accented by chrome highlights--the Curve 8900 is packed with communication and location features. The built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) makes it easy to connect to a home or office wireless network, and if you select an unlimited data plan with the Curve 8900 you'll receive free AT&T Wi-Fi access at nearly 20,000 hotspots in the U.S.--including retail stores, restaurants and airports.



With its stunning titanium-colored finish and chrome highlights, the sleek and slender design of the BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone dresses it for any...

Motorola BACKFLIP Android Phone (AT&T)

Motorola BACKFLIP Android Phone (AT&T)
by Motorola

Powered by the Android OS and featuring the socially minded MOTOBLUR overlay, the Motorola BACKFLIP for AT&T features an original reverse flip design, 3.1-inch touchscreen display, spacious physical keyboard, and unique BACKTRACK touch panel located behind the screen when the device is folded open--providing you hands-free navigation of the phone without having to touch the display. It also boasts super-fast Web browsing on AT&T's 7.2 HSPA 3G technology as well as Wi-Fi networking with access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots.



The unique BACKFLIP features a reverse flip design, spacious keyboard and BACKTRACK touch panel (see larger image).

With MOTOBLUR, updates from Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter as well as e-mail are automatically delivered to the...

Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905a 8.1 MP Camera Phone, Silver (AT&T)

Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905a 8.1 MP Camera Phone, Silver (AT&T)
by AT&T

Boasting an impressive 8.1-megapixel camera and advanced features such as face detection, autofocus, xenon flash and geo-tagging, the Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905a from AT&T simplifies your on-the-go photography needs while also taking advantage of AT&T's ultra-fast 3G network. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can listen to a conference call on a headset while sending and receiving e-mail attachments, picture messages or Web pages at the same time. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share service, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.



The Sony Ericsson C905a is an excellent multimedia companion with a 8.1-megapixel camera,...

HTC DROID Eris Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

HTC DROID Eris Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)
by Verizon Wireless

Combining performance and functionality in one sleek package, the ultra-slim HTC DROID ERIS brings the power of the Android platform and the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network together. Powered by the open-source Android operating system, it offers an intuitive interface with an easily customizable home screen and the ability to personalize it with a wide selection of free and paid downloadable apps via the Android Market. It also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.



The 3G-enabled HTC DROID ERIS runs on the fast, reliable Verizon Wireless network and is powered by the customizable Android platform, with 1000s of apps available to on the Android...

Motorola CLIQ Android Phone, Titanium (T-Mobile)

Motorola CLIQ Android Phone, Titanium (T-Mobile)
by Motorola

The CLIQ 3G-enabled touchscreen phone for T-Mobile, is Motorola's first Android-powered device, and the first to feature the innovative MOTOBLUR overlay to the Android OS, which manages and integrates email and social networking activity including Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. In addition to a brightly colorful 3.5-inch touchscreen, the Motorola CLIQ also offers a side sliding full QWERTY keyboard for quick typing of tweets, status updates, and email.



The first phone with MOTOBLUR, the CLIQ automatically delivers your messages, contacts, email, updates and photos from social sites, and more--right to your home screen.

Powered by the Android OS, you can customize your Motorola CLIQ with thousands of apps available via the Android Market. With...

© 2010 BrightSurf.com