DCSIMG

Measuring Distraction: Methods & Techniques

Home
Discussion Areas
Experience with Technology
Cell Phones
Navigation Systems
Night Vision
Wireless Internet
Info And Entertainment
Other
Technical Issues
Benefits And Risk
Measuring Distraction
Design Features
Regulations
Safety Campaigns
Features
Index Of Papers
Ask The Expert
Take the Polls
Other Resources
Public Meeting
 Papers, polls, Q&A items, and comments on this page are oriented to topics and issues associated with the methods and techniques used to measure driver distraction. Feel free to post comments on issues outlined below, or in response to papers, polls, and/or questions submitted to our expert panel. These discussions are meant to emphasize questions of scientific rigor for research and evaluation efforts. A moderator has been assigned to periodically synthesize comments, keep discussions focused and moving, emphasize key points, and offer additional insights into related issues.

DISCUSSION ISSUES/TOPICS

Methods, Measures & Tools

  • How can driver distraction be safely and rigorously studied in normal driving? How valid are studies that use test tracks, simulators, or laboratory methods?
  • What measures (dependent variables) are meaningful indices of driver distraction? How do these relate to roadway safety outcomes?
  • What technologies (e.g., physiological monitoring), devices (e.g., eye trackers), or analytic techniques (e.g., steering control inputs) can be used to capture measures of distraction?
  • Are there good models that allow you to predict the distracting effects or crash risks associated with a particular distractor?
  • What, if any, mechanisms are needed to aid in the investigation of technology related crashes and what tools are needed to support these efforts?
Research Needs
  • What are the important unanswered questions relating to the scientific measurement of driver distraction? Where should research resources be directed?

 

Content Available In Each Topic Area

  Paper  
comments
  Comment  

  Ask the Expert  

  Poll  

 

Methods, Measures & Tools
             38comments   3    8   
Research Needs
            
  NHTSA Driver Distraction Research: Past, Present, and Future   7/6/00 3:40:10 PM

comments   Need for research into driver training/recertification programs and their effect on driver performance/distraction   7/12/00 8:48:16 PM
Michael   Cochrane
Government

Far too much of this discussion is focused on the potential causes of driver distraction (technology, passengers, etc.), while no one is addressing the contribution to the problem stemming from the basic level of driver ability in this country. My hypothesis is this: A properly trained motorist (whose continued driving privileges are tied to the maintenance of a minimum level of competency) is more likely to be concentrating on the act of driving than one who is poorly trained and has not developed proper driving habits. Such a motorist will be less susceptible to distractions while driving. If the states adopted a dual program of rigorous driving instruction on the European model (closed course instruction and emphasis on good driving habits) combined with periodic driver re-certification (both a written *and* a driving exam), I believe the number of fatalities (and crashes of all kinds) per passenger mile would diminsh significantly over time. This needs to be researched, however. Studies must be done in which randomly selected groups of drivers are given driving instruction of the type I mentioned above, while a control group is given the current driving instruction. The study may have to be a longitudinal one tracking both groups of drivers through several years of driving, with the treatment group receiving periodic re-testing and recertification. After the observation period is over, the groups would be surveyed to determine what distracting behaviors they may have engaged in while driving. The measure of performance could be number of accidents or moving violations per driver mile. Ultimately, technology will not solve the problem of driver distraction. Better drivers who obey the laws will solve the problem. Michael F. Cochrane, Ph.D.


comments   review any existing military research on vehicle operations   7/15/00 8:54:54 PM

comments   There should be research into all distractions (such as putting on make-up), not just technological devices.   7/15/00 10:06:37 PM

comments   More Distraction   7/17/00 1:37:00 PM

comments   The needs   7/21/00 12:57:25 AM

comments   Research   7/21/00 1:03:02 AM

comments   Cell Head / Air Head   7/28/00 12:35:36 PM