Lifestyle and demographic characteristics linked to driving simple reaction time

Simple reaction time (SRT) is a fundamental measure of cognitive-motor processing speed and a foundational component of the skills required for complex tasks like driving. While lifestyle and demographic factors are known to influence cognitive functions, their specific roles in shaping SRT remain understudied. This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity, substance avoidance, and health maintenance, and demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and education level, on SRT. A total of 348 drivers completed a structured online questionnaire assessing lifestyle patterns, physical and mental health, and socio-demographic traits. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to explore the relationships among latent and observed variables. Key constructs included crash prevention, substance avoidance, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. Results indicated that physical health had the strongest direct negative effect on SRT, implying quicker responses among healthier individuals. Age showed the most substantial positive effect, with older participants exhibiting slower reaction times. Education and gender were also significant, with higher education linked to faster responses and female gender associated with longer reaction times. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of SRT and provide evidence about basic cognitive-motor speed that can inform hypotheses for future driving-specific research and public-health interventions. Because the current study used an online simple reaction time task rather than a driving simulator or on-road assessment, direct inference to on-road driving performance and traffic safety is not claimed.