Author/Authors :
Karbakhsh Mojgan نويسنده , Saremi Mahnaz نويسنده , Saadat Soheil نويسنده , Alimohammadi Iraj نويسنده , Rezaei Maryam نويسنده Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell Sciences Research Center, Royan Institute for Animal Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran , Ashayeri Hassan نويسنده Department of Rehabilitation, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Sadeghian Farideh نويسنده Faculty of Health , Fayaz Mahsa نويسنده Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
Abstract :
[Background]Background: Conversation over the cell phone while driving is a known risk factor for road traffic crash. Using hands-free to talk on the cell phone may remove visual and manual distraction yet not the cognitive distraction.[Objectives]The purpose of this study was to better understand the mechanisms of cognitive distraction due to hands-free cell phone conversation (HFPC) while driving.[Methods]Twelve male and 12 female University students in Tehran, Iran, were selected via the consecutive convenient sampling method, and randomly assigned to one of the following administrations of cross-over quasi-experimental study design, during year 2016: Administration 1, participants performed the tests while involved in HFPC, took rest for 60 minute, and then performed the tests another time without HFPC; Administration 2, participants performed the tests without HFPC, took rest, and then performed the tests another time with HFPC. Each participant moved to the other administration after 7 to 10 days. The Vienna test system (VTS) was used to measure simple and choice reaction time, selective attention, visual orientation, and visual memory. Linear regression analysis was used to study the change in test scores due to HFPC.[Results]The mean age of participants was 27.1 ± 5.3 years. A history of road traffic crash (regardless of severity) was reported among 9 (37.5%) participants in the previous year. Hands-free cell phone conversation while driving was directly associated with mean time correct rejection score (P < 0.01) (selective attention), omitted response (P < 0.01) and median reaction time (P < 0.01) (choice reaction time), and mean reaction time (P < 0.01) (Simple reaction time). Moreover, HPFC was inversely associated with sum hits (P = 0.05) (selective attention), incorrect (P < 0.02) and correct response (P < 0.01) (choice reaction time), score based on viewing and working time (P < 0. 01) (visual orientation), and visual memory performance (P < 0.01).[Conclusions]Using hands-free devices to converse during driving, impaired reaction time, selective attention, visual orientation and visual memory, which are essential for safe driving. Thus, the use of these devices does not preclude cognitive distraction and should be restricted.
