Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers and young adults. The highest risk for a car crash is during the first year of independent driving, when people have least experience. In this study, we want to understand how people learn to drive by comparing beginner and experienced drivers' autonomic responses and brain function when viewing videos of driving hazards. This will help us understand how people learn to drive, help improve driving education, and ultimately reduce the number of teenage crashes.
To do this, a two-experiment study will be conducted by showing participants several videos that include driving hazards and several videos that contain no hazards. We are currently seeking participants for the first experiment that will collect physiological (i.e., skin conductance and heart rate) data while watching these videos.
If agreed to join this study, in addition to watching the videos, participants will be asked to answer questions about themselves and your driving habits on a computer. In a face-to-face interview, participants will be asked some questions about their behaviors, attention and mood. Participants will also be asked to play two (2) computer games. Everything will be done in one visit and will take about 2.5 hours. Participants will be compensated with a $50 Amazon gift card.
Eligibility Criteria: To be included in the study: • Be between the ages of 16 and 20 years. • Have a valid driver's license or learner's permit. • Speak English fluently.
To be included in the novice driving group: • Hold a valid learner's permit and have driven less than 1000 miles as assessed by self-reported mileage.
To be included in the experienced drivers group: • Hold a non-commercial driver's license for a minimum of 2 years and have driven more than 3000 miles in the past 12 months as assessed by self-reported annual mileage.
Exclusionary criteria (reasons you would not be a good fit for the study): • A history of neurologic disorder (e.g., epilepsy, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Tourette syndrome). • A history of visual impairment. • The presence of psychiatric illness or neurodevelopmental disorders. • The inability to read English fluently.
If interested in participating contact: Theresa Chirles, PhD Phone: 302-469-0445 Email: tchirle1@jhmi.edu
