Driver visual attention and in-vehicle touchscreen: the role of short training session

The growing integration of in-vehicle centre stack touchscreens has enhanced driver access to information and control systems but raised significant safety concerns due to increased visual distraction. This study investigates whether a short pre-drive training session can mitigate distraction and improve driver interaction with in-vehicle touchscreen. Using a driving simulator and eye-tracking technology, 60 licensed Norwegian drivers were assigned to trained and untrained groups to compare visual attention patterns during secondary tasks involving touchscreen use. Results showed that while all participants exhibited high visual demand on the touchscreen, trained drivers demonstrated slightly lower fixation counts, shorter durations, and reduced self-transition probabilities within the touchscreen area, suggesting more efficient and potentially safer interactions. However, these differences were not statistically significant, indicating a limited effect of the short training provided. The findings highlight the complexity of the touchscreen interface and potential of pre-drive touchscreen familiarization in improving visual attention.