OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the effects of music on Hazard Perception - a skill that serves as a proxy for safe driving.
BACKGROUND: There is contradictory evidence whether or not music engagement leads to decremented driver performance and compromises traffic safety.
METHOD: In the study, 36 participants performed a standard Video-Based Hazard Perception Test under three aural conditions: Road and Traffic Sounds (RS); RS + Driver-Preferred Music; RS + Alternative Music.
RESULTS: The results show no effect of aural backgrounds (including music) on the situation awareness portion of the driving task.
CONCLUSION: Music background might affect later stages of the driving task such as response selection and/or response execution (mitigation). APPLICATION: The investigation of human factors related to vehicular control should include how (where) music might trigger failures in perception and/or behaviour.
Language: en
Keywords
driver distraction; in-car music; models of driving; music effects; video-based hazard perception test