Effects of Radio Tuning on Driving Performance

This paper introduces some of the research work on the effects of telematics, in this case a radio system, on driver's performance. Twenty-four undergraduate students participated in a series of simulated driving scenarios. In the pre- and post-allocation phases, all participants were required to drive two-four minute phases to establish their baseline scores. In the allocation phase, they were required to tune to a series of local radio stations while performing the same driving scenarios. The results indicated that participants committed more driving errors and violations during the radio-tuning phase than any of the other pre- and post-allocation phases. These errors were manifested in an increased number of crossing the median marking, leaving the roadway, and/or lane deviation. The implications of these results are also outlined in the present paper.