The contribution of attention in virtual moped riding training of teenagers

Riding a moped, like many other everyday activities, is a complex behavior in which attention plays a crucial role. This study aims to investigate the role of attention in enhancing the skills required to ride a moped simulator. Two experiments were conducted with 207 and 60 students (14–15 years old), respectively, using a moped simulator to ride on 12 different tracks. The assignment was to ride safely and avoid hazards. In experiment 1, the authors divided the hazard scenes of the tracks on the basis of the fact that a shift in attention was required to escape the danger. They showed that during the riding training, when no attentional shift was required, the ability to avoid hazards was constantly higher. In experiment 2, participants were asked to cope with the same basic experimental setting but with an additional attentive task. The results showed that they performed in such a way that not only did the attentive task not impair their performance, but it also produced an improvement in the ability to shift attentional focus, preserving performance efficiency. On the basis of these data, it can be claimed that, primarily, attentional shift plays a prominent role in accounting for accident circumstances. Secondarily, it can be claimed that attentional training contributes to improved processing efficiency so as to prevent mishaps.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2013.03.034
• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457513001322
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00014575
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Tagliabue, Mariaelena
  • Da Pos, Osvaldo
  • Spoto, Andrea
  • Vidotto, Giulio
• Publication Date: 2013-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 10-16
• Serial:
  • Accident Analysis & Prevention
  • Volume: 57
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0001-4575
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00014575

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attention; Driver training; Hazards; Moped drivers; Mopeds; Safety; Simulation; Teenage drivers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01485332
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 18 2013 5:07PM