 When you drive, how much of a distraction is
talking on a cell phone, eating or fiddling with the radio? Researchers
are trying to find out by scanning the brain during those situations.
Researchers at the Wayne State School of
Medicine are using some high tech methods to perform these brain scans.
They are working to determine if there is a physiological basis for
driver distraction using MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). The MRI
allows medical professionals to scan the brain in real time, examining
what parts of the brain are actually engaged and working during a
safety situation.
The research will examine the effect of a variety of external
influences on driving, such as sleep deprivation, caffeine and alcohol.
The research will also observe various types of drivers, including
different age groups, different driving experiences and those that have
had accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated
that 25 percent of the 6.3 million crashes reported by police each year
involve some form of driver distraction. The ground breaking research
will be used to help reduce the risk of driver distraction and to
enhance vehicle technology and safety. These studies may have
far-reaching effects. They may change the way automobiles are designed
and may even change the law regarding what activities are permissible
while driving.
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