Biofeedback Arrests Sympathetic and Behavioral Effects in Distracted Driving

Operating machinery while distracted is a dangerous behavior, often habitual, which the source of accidents. Distracted driving in particular has assumed form an epidemic, fueled by ubiquity smartphone usage and tendency to slip into absent-mindedness tedious commutes. Here we show that method capable detecting communicating overarousal trends associated with onset distractions, can pull driver out downward psychophysiological spiral. The reliable, unobtrusive, subtle its intervention-all important characteristics for real-time corrections on human handling critical machinery. Arousal estimation performed conservative statistical filter acting upon driver's perinasal perspiration signal, as this continuously extracted from thermal imaging feed. Overarousal notices are communicated via visual indicator placed peripheral vision. Using method, conducted parallel group experiment, where control CLCL (n=23n=23) biofeedback BFBF (n=24n=24) cohort were mentally physically driving, only receiving benefit notification. Results heeding notices, cuts dramatically time subjects engaged distractions respect group, significantly reducing their arousal levels improving behaviors context typical commute.