Inhibitory Control Behavior of Novice and Experienced Drivers During Work Zone Intrusion: Functional Connectivity Analysis Using fNIRS

While driving is a mentally demanding task, driving on roads that include maintaining and repairing construction activities can heighten the complexity of this task. Within work zones, drivers may fail to properly process road construction signs, which can highly threaten road construction workers’ safety. However, drivers’ control over the vehicle and the inhibitory control ability are important to prevent accidents. While previous studies investigated inhibitory control among drivers, they lack natural settings with the presence of an auditory stimulus. To bridge this gap, this study investigated expert and novice drivers’ neural activity and inhibitory control while intruding into a work zone equipped with auditory intrusion alert technology. Results showed that experts had higher neural activity within the prefrontal cortex while showing better response inhibition. Such knowledge can increase road safety professionals’ knowledge regarding the interventions that are needed to increase work zones’ safety.