Effect of human–machine interface infotainment systems and automated vehicles on driver distraction

Driver distraction is intricately linked to human behavior and cognitive ergonomics, as it explores how human engagement with various stimuli influences attention and decision-making processes while driving. The main purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore whether using Human–Machine Interface infotainment systems in automated vehicles can affect driver distraction. To this end, driver distraction was measured by driving performance features (speed, lane position, and reaction time), behavioral features (fixation time and pupil dilation), physiological features (changes in oxyhemoglobin), and subjective assessment (NASA-TLX workload). Twenty-one participants equipped with an eye tracker and functional near-infrared spectroscopy drove a driving simulator in the current investigation. The results revealed that interacting with the infotainment systems significantly affects the drivers' average speed (F_2,40 = 13.60, p < .0001), reaction time (F_2,40 = 4.74, p = .0142), fixation time (F_2,40 = 88.61, p < .0001), pupil dilation (F_2,28 = 3.63, p = .0356), and workload (F_2,40 = 14.40, p < .0001). Moreover, driving mode significantly affects drivers' speed deviation (F_2,40 = 6.12, p = .0048), standard deviation of lane position (F_2,40 = 10.57, p = .0002), fixation time (F_2,40 = 36.71, p < .0001), and workload (F_2,40 = 28.08, p < .0001). Drawing from the findings of this article and emphasizing human-centric design principles, researchers and engineers can craft automotive technologies that are intuitive, effective, and safer. This is vital for mitigating driver distraction and guaranteeing the beneficial influence of automated vehicles on both road safety and the overall driving experience.