Title:	Eyes on the road: brain computer interfaces and cognitive distraction in traffic
Authors:	Bosch, Victoria Mecacci, Giulio
ORCID of the author:	https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7454-8325 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9092-8923
Contributions by:	Scott Metcalfe, Jason
Abstract:	Novel wearable neurotechnology is able to provide insight into its wearer's cognitive processes and offers ways to change or enhance their capacities. Moreover, it offers the promise of hands-free device control. These brain-computer interfaces are likely to become an everyday technology in the near future, due to their increasing accessibility and affordability. We, therefore, must anticipate their impact, not only on society and individuals broadly but also more specifically on sectors such as traffic and transport. In an economy where attention is increasingly becoming a scarce good, these innovations may present both opportunities and challenges for daily activities that require focus, such as driving and cycling. Here, we argue that their development carries a dual risk. Firstly, BCI-based devices may match or further increase the intensity of cognitive human-technology interaction over the current hands-free communication devices which, despite being widely accepted, are well-known for introducing a significant amount of cognitive load and distraction. Secondly, BCI-based devices will be typically harder than hands-free devices to both visually detect (e.g., how can law enforcement check when these extremely small and well-integrated devices are used?) and restrain in their use (e.g., how do we prevent users from using such neurotechnologies without breaching personal integrity and privacy?). Their use in traffic should be anticipated by researchers, engineers, and policymakers, in order to ensure the safety of all road users.
Citations:	Bosch V and Mecacci G (2023) Eyes on the road: brain computer interfaces and cognitive distraction in traffic. Front. Neuroergonomics. 4:1171910. doi: 10.3389/fnrgo.2023.1171910
URL:	https://doi.org/10.48693/400 https://osnadocs.ub.uni-osnabrueck.de/handle/ds-202309209750
Subject Keywords:	brain-computer interfaces
Issue Date:	20-Sep-2023
Type of publication:	Einzelbeitrag in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift [Article]
Appears in Collections:	FB08 - Hochschulschriften Open-Access-Publikationsfonds

Items in osnaDocs repository are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. rightsstatements.org