The link between stress and driver distraction

Dr Lisa Dorn, Associate Professor of Driver Behaviour at Cranfield University. Founder and Director at PsyDrive

Most research on driver distraction has focused on external distractions such as the use of mobile phones. However, the impact of driver stress as an internal distraction has been relatively neglected.

This webinar considers the link between stress and distraction and the cognitive and emotional mechanisms involved. Stress can affect working memory - a crucial cognitive skill for safe driving. Working memory is the ability to hold a small amount of traffic and road related information temporarily in our minds as part of the dynamic continuous primary driving task. When our minds are preoccupied by worries and concerns about work or about what’s going on in our personal life, these stress-related thoughts can interfere with working memory and increase driver error.

This webinar will explore how fleet drivers can develop strategies to reduce mind wandering and maintain attentional focus when dealing with stressful situations.

About Lisa Dorn

Lisa is recognised as a leader in the field of Traffic Psychology and has published over 30 peer-reviewed academic journal papers, presented at many international conferences and edited and co-authored nine books.

Her main research interests relate to the design of behavioural interventions for managing risk associated with road user behaviour.

On top of her academic endeavours, Lisa has now founded PsyDrive to provide expert independent consultancy and training on road risk management.