Assessing the Impact of Secondary Tasks on Heart Rate Variability and Mental Workload in Driving

With the continuous advancement of vehicle technologies and the complexities of modern driving environments, evaluating the effects of multitasking on driver safety is imperative. This study investigates the effects of secondary tasks on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) andmental workload while driving. As technology advances and vehicles incorporate more interactive systems, it is crucial to understand the physiological and cognitive demands placed on drivers. Distracted driving has become a growing concern, leading to an increased focus on how in-vehicle systems impact driver attention and safety. This research measured the HRV of the drivers while they engaged in various secondary tasks, such as using car infotainment systems and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Its experimental setup involved 20 participants with varied driving experience, navigating a predefined route in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Results indicated a significant increase in Heart Rate (HR) and HRV parameters, specifically Low Frequency to High Frequency (LF/HF) ratioand Stress Index (SI), when participants engaged in secondary tasks. This increase indicates elevated mental workload and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) activity. These findings are essential for developing interventions that could mitigate the risks associated with distracted driving. By evaluating driver stress and cognitive load through physiological metrics, this study offers valuable insights into the interactions between driver behaviour, vehicle technology, and road safety.