Can a preview of an upcoming curve mitigate the effects of cognitive load on expert and non-expert drivers’ vehicle control?

The lack of theoretical and empirical coherence makes it difficult to ascertain how cognitive load, induced by a cognitive secondary activity, impacts the driving performance of non-expert and expert drivers. Even less is known about strategies that could mitigate potential impairments, precluding the development of effective countermeasures. Fourteen UK advanced police drivers (experts), and twenty experienced non-professional drivers (non-experts), were recruited for this study to examine whether a road sign previewing an upcoming curve could reduce the effects of cognitive load on driving performance. Differences between experts and non-experts were observed only in longitudinal control, while cognitive load primarily affected lateral control. When the road sign was present, experts reduced their speed both when approaching and negotiating curves, whereas non-experts slowed only within the curve. Although the road sign had a minimal impact on lane deviations when approaching curves under cognitive load, it effectively reduced deviations and improved steering smoothness in curves, irrespective of cognitive load. These findings underscore the task-specific nature of driving expertise and suggest that anticipatory visual cues can enhance safety and performance of expert and non-expert drivers even in situations when they are cognitively loaded.