Attention selection and multitasking in everyday driving: A conceptual model

Book chapter, 2013

This chapter outlines a conceptual model of attention selection and multitasking in everyday driving. While existing theoretical and empirical work on attention in driving has mainly focused on dual-task interference in experimental settings, the present model aims to account for attention selection in natural driving situations. The model starts from the view of attention as a form of adaptive behaviour and emphasises the key role of expectancy, the dynamic interplay between top-down and bottom-up selection, the often habitual nature of attention selection in real driving and how attention selection is driven by perceived and expected value. However, the model also offers a novel characterisation of dual-task interference mechanisms and more precise definitions of key concepts such as driver inattention and driver distraction. Based on the model, a general conceptualisation of the relation between attention selection and crash causation is proposed and implications for the design of driver support systems and automotive human-machine interfaces are discussed.