%0 Journal Article
%T Hands-free mobile phone speech while driving degrades coordination and control
%J Transportation research part F: traffic psychology and behaviour
%D 2004
%A Treffner, Paul J.
%A Barrett, Rod
%V 7
%N 4-5
%P 229-246
%X Using a closed-circuit driving track environment, we investigated the influence of using a hands-free mobile (or cell) phone on various biomechanical and perceptual factors that underlie the control of driving. <br><br>RESULTS showed that in three tasks representative of everyday driving conditions, the perceptual control of action was compromised when compared to a control condition where no mobile phone conversation was present. While conversing, critical control actions related to braking were postponed on approach to a corner. During controlled braking, as when approaching a stationary car at a traffic light, the degree of braking was reduced and braking style was altered in a non-optimal manner. During an obstacle avoidance task, car dynamics were affected as a result of the conversation. Interpretation of the results is motivated by the ecological approach to perception-action and the theory of affordances. It is concluded that a driver's sensitivity to prospective information about upcoming events and the associated perception and awareness of what the road environment affords may both significantly be degraded when simultaneously using a hands-free mobile phone. Implications for intervention and policy are discussed.<p />
%G en
%I Elsevier Publishing
%@ 1369-8478
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2004.09.002