The results of the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, showed that even a simple conversation can slow down important eye movements necessary for adequately assessing the environment while driving.
In the experiment involving 30 healthy participants, the researchers compared eye movements under three different conditions: during conversation, while passively listening to text, and without additional load. It was found that conversation specifically increased the reaction time of the gaze, slowed its movement towards the target object, and worsened fixation on it. These delays occurred at early stages of visual information processing.
The authors of the study explained that while each delay may seem insignificant, in real situations it can accumulate and lead to a later perception of potential threats, such as pedestrians, obstacles, or traffic signals. This is particularly relevant, as about 90% of the information necessary for safe driving is obtained through vision.
This study highlights that conversations, including hands-free communication, can subtly impair visually-motor processes, affecting the stages of recognition and decision-making. The authors emphasize that the cognitive load arising during conversation may be one of the factors contributing to an increase in errors and accidents in complex driving situations.
