Cognitive load, working memory capacity and driving performance: A preliminary fNIRS and eye tracking study

A common cause of road traffic incidents is driver distraction, which can occur when the driver’s attention engaged in a concurrent secondary task. However, relationship between cognitive demands, individual differences working memory capacity and driving performance has received little research attention. Using fixed-base simulator, aim this study was to use combination self-report, functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) mobile eye tracking data investigate impact load on drivers’ gaze behaviour performance, as well explore under increased load. Twenty-one participants with range experiences (e.g., 0–14 h per week) completed simulated task simple environment (i.e., country highway) single-task (driving only) dual-task + modified 2-back task) conditions. Cognitive assessed via fNIRS that manifested changes regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) prefrontal cortex self-report perceived mental effort. Participants’ using Operation Span Task. Findings showed rSO2 effort significantly greater conditions compared condition. In condition, participants’ dwelled for longer they made fewer fixations, durations. Participants were able maintain although at expense performance. Interestingly, infractions negatively correlated capacity. The findings suggest engaging distracting tasks while may increase change their behaviour. Driving seemingly be maintained such conditions, but partly determined by