Do distinct mind wandering differently disrupt drivers? Interpretation of physiological and behavioral pattern with a data triangulation method

Abstract

MW is damaging for tasks requiring sustained and divided attention, for example driving. Recent findings seem to be indicating that off-task thoughts differently disrupt drivers. The present paper delved into characteristics of off-task thoughts to assess their respective detrimental impact on driving. Twenty volunteers had to declare their MW thoughts and get intentionally involved in Problem-Solving Thoughts (PST) according to instructions. Heart rate and oculometric behavior were collected during the two sessions. Results showed that MW and PST led to a fixed gaze. MW might also led to a cognitive effort necessary to switch from task-unrelated to task-related focus. Similarities and differences between intentional and unintentional off-task thoughts were discussed in greater detail. By designing a detection algorithm, it could be possible to detect disruptive MW during risky situations while permitting the mind to wander when the driving demand is low.

Impact of mind‐wandering on visual information processing while driving: An electrophysiological study

“…Inattention and distraction have been described as different states with different impacts on drivers according to the location of drivers' attention (Pepin et al, 2018), but would appear to multiply the risk of being responsible for a crash by an equivalent factor (between 1.64 and 2.12: Galera et al, 2012). Distraction can be defined as a cognitive state in which attention has switched from driving to non‐driving‐related external events.…”