These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed


  • Title: Effect of driver distraction and low alcohol concentrations on useful field of view and frequency-doubling technology perimetry.
    Author: Puell MC, Barrio A.
    Journal: Acta Ophthalmol; 2008 Sep; 86(6):634-41. PubMed ID: 18081908.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a mental psychometric task that simulates the distraction effect of a hands-free mobile phone and of low alcohol concentrations (0.3-0.5 g/l) on two tests: the useful field of view (UFOV) and frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimetry. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy young vehicle drivers aged 22 +/- 3 years were subjected to a computer version of the UFOV test and FDT perimetry, undertaken according to a counterbalanced within-subject design. The tests were performed in two sessions (an 'alcohol session' and a 'sober session'), while undertaking or not undertaking a psychometric test [the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)] to simulate the effect of distraction. Each subject was instructed to concentrate on the PASAT while taking each test. RESULTS: UFOV scores were affected when the PASAT was performed simultaneously (P < 0.0001) in that longer times were required to identify a central target and the location of a peripheral target. FDT perimetry was affected by the addition of the PASAT, with a significant reduction in mean sensitivity and a localized sensitivity loss [pattern standard deviation (PSD) >6 dB]. Test times, false-positive and negative catch trial responses were all increased. However, the UFOV test and FDT perimetry results were not significantly affected by a low alcohol concentration. CONCLUSION: Distraction significantly affects performance in the UFOV test and frequency-doubling technology perimetry. Our findings suggest that using a hands-free mobile phone while driving may lead to a low-to-moderate crash risk in young adults with normal visual function.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]