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Title:

Impact of Distracted Driving on Traffic-Flow Parameters
Cover of Impact of Distracted Driving on Traffic-Flow Parameters

Accession Number:

01506169

Record Type:

Component

Abstract:

Studies have documented a link between distracted driving and diminished safety; however, an association between distracted driving and traffic congestion has not been investigated in depth. The present study examined the behavior of teens and young adults operating a driving simulator while engaged in various distractions (i.e., cell phone, texting, and undistracted) and driving conditions (i.e., free flow, stable flow, and oversaturation). Seventy five participants 16 to 25 years of age drove a STISIM simulator three times, each time with one of three randomly presented distractions. Each drive was designed to represent daytime scenery on a 4 lane divided roadway and included three equal roadway portions representing Levels of Service (LOS) A, C, 2 and E as defined in the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual. Participants also completed questionnaires documenting demographics and driving history. Repeated Measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance was employed to analyze the experimental data. Results revealed that more simulated vehicles passed the participants who, in addition, exhibited slower driving speeds when distracted. Participants displayed a significant increase in fluctuation of speed while texting. More crashes occurred while texting and crash frequency was higher during stable flow conditions. No significant differences were detected between age groups. The results indicate that distracted driving, particularly texting, may lead to reduced traffic flow, thus having a negative impact on traffic operations. These results suggest that all drivers, regardless of age, may drive in a manner that impacts traffic negatively when distracted.

Supplemental Notes:

Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

Monograph Accession #:

01501394

Language:

English

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 United States

Authors:

Stavrinos, Despina
Garner, Annie A
Franklin, Crystal A
Ball, David
Ball, Karlene K
Sisiopiku, Virginia P
Fine, Philip R

Pagination:

15p

Publication Date:

2011

Conference:

3rd International Conference on Road Safety and Simulation

Location: Indianapolis Indiana, United States
Date: 2011-9-14 to 2011-9-16
Sponsors: Purdue University; Transportation Research Board

Media Type:

Digital/other

Features:

Figures; References; Tables

Identifier Terms:

Highway Capacity Manual 2000

Subject Areas:

Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor

Files:

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Created Date:

Jan 29 2014 1:08PM