The Mind Wandering Phenomenon While Driving

An Exploratory Survey

Bibliographic Data

ID22006707
AuthorsEugen Valentin Butilă (0000-0001-6420-2750, Transylvania University of Brașov), Mihai Burlacu (0000-0002-3346-3154, Transylvania University of Brașov), Luiza Meseșan-Schmitz (0000-0001-7485-578X, Transylvania University of Brașov), Florin Gîrbacia (0000-0002-7228-6525, Transylvania University of Brașov), Răzvan Gabriel Boboc (0000-0002-0496-3483, Transylvania University of Brașov, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume16
Issue1
Publication date2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/21582440261429036
OpenAlexW7139037041
LanguageEN
References cited38

Mind wandering (MW) is an internally generated form of distraction that may affect driver attention, yet its subjective experience and self-regulation during everyday driving remain poorly understood. This exploratory survey, on 154 licensed drivers, examined the prevalence of MW while driving, its perceived effects, levels of concern, and self-reported mitigation strategies. MW was reported more frequently in driving contexts as in general context, particularly during highway driving and emotionally demanding or multitasking situations. MW showed moderate associations with perceived effects and concern, but no significant association with mitigation strategy use. These findings indicate a gap between awareness of MW and the adoption of self-regulation strategies. Although based on self-reported data, the study provides insight into drivers’ subjective experiences of internal distraction and highlights the need for future research using objective and longitudinal approaches

Distraction · Exploratory research · Human multitasking · Mind-wandering · Phenomenon · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Mind wandering and attention · Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access