The Effect of Texting Using a Head Mounted Display on Brake Reaction Time and Time Headway

Previous research on the effect of smartphone use on user distraction has primarily focused on phone calls and various forms of texting. As technology progresses, drivers are now able to use HMD (head-mounted displays) and other hands-free devices. HMDs allow users to have their eyes directed to the road, however open the user to inattentional blindness and give them a false sense of security. The present study compared the effects of two smartphone tasks and two Head Mounted Display (HMD) tasks on car following performance in a driving simulator. Simulation tasks were chosen across two factors: Devices used (Smartphone vs. HMD) and Condition of the Participant (Distracted vs. Not Distracted). Brake Reaction Times (BRT) were significantly slower in the condition in which the user had to text off of the HMD when compared to the Baseline condition (p=.004) and moderately significant when compared to the Texting condition (p=.059). Although there are many applications that might help users by lessening workloads, currently wearing HMDs cause drivers to become overconfident by following lead cars closer while increasing their reaction time.