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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Attitude Towards Distracted Driving

Individuals’ attitudes towards distracted driving is a measurable indicator of traffic safety; it measures the rate at which distracted driving results in road accidents and fatalities. Distracted driving is a common attitude amongst motorists. Many different types of distractions often lead to accidents such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, changing the radio station, and even talking to passengers. An estimation of the extent of distracted driving can provide insights into determining if measures implemented to curb distracted driving are effective.1,2

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Police reports can be a good source of information on distracted driving. However, they may not capture all instances of distracted driving, as not all drivers who are distracted will get into an accident or be pulled over by the police. Another way is to use surveys or observational studies. Surveys can also be a good source of information on distracted driving and used to ask people about their experiences with distracted driving or their observations of other drivers. However, surveys may suffer from self-reporting bias, as people may not accurately remember or report their behaviors. Observational studies can be a good way to collect data on distracted driving. In an observational study, researchers observe drivers and record instances of distracted driving. Observational studies may be more accurate than surveys, but they can be expensive and more time-consuming.3,4

Examples

Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a serious problem in the United States. In 2015, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. An NHTSA’s study of distracted driving found that distracted driving is most common among young drivers; drivers ages 15-19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash while distracted than drivers over the age of 20. Additionally, cell phone use is the most common type of distraction for drivers. The use of cell phones while driving quadruples the risk of being in a crash.

Texting while driving is the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Sending or reading a text message takes one’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

1. Distracted driving [Internet]. NHTSA. [cited 2022 Aug 11]. Available from: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
2. Distracted driving: Reducing the impact of distractions [Internet]. Epermittest.com. [cited 2022 Aug 11]. Available from: https://www.epermittest.com/drivers-education/distracted-driving
3. Blackstone VL. Information on police reports [Internet]. Legal Beagle. 2009 [cited 2022 Aug 17]. Available from: https://legalbeagle.com/5291423-information-police-reports.html
4. Prat F, Planes M, Gras ME, Sullman MJ. An observational study of driving distractions on urban roads in Spain. Accident Analysis & Prevention. 2015 Jan 1;74:8-16.