Simulation
Measuring Visual-Cognitive Distraction in Real Time

By Lorenzo Uccello, Corrado La Russa, Massimiliano Gobbi, Gianpiero Mastinu* | Translated by AI 5 min Reading Time

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Researchers in Milan have developed a real-time metric to measure visual and cognitive distraction while driving. The tests are conducted in a simulator.

The cockpit view during a test drive in the simulator.(Source:  Uccello et al., IEEE OJITS 2026)
The cockpit view during a test drive in the simulator.
(Source: Uccello et al., IEEE OJITS 2026)

Distraction while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents worldwide. As more driver-assistance systems and semi-automated features are installed, the number of secondary activities that drivers engage in while driving is increasing. Legislators are responding: UNECE Regulation No. 171 requires Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS) to monitor driver attention; and Euro NCAP’s Roadmap 2030 calls for systems capable of detecting cognitive distraction.