Impact of Distracted Driving on Traffic-Flow Parameters
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.
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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
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Corporate Authors:
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Authors:
- Stavrinos, Despina
- Garner, Annie A
- Franklin, Crystal A
- Ball, David
- Ball, Karlene K
- Sisiopiku, Virginia P
- Fine, Philip R
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Conference:
- 3rd International Conference on Road Safety and Simulation
- Location: Indianapolis Indiana, United States
- Date: 2011-9-14 to 2011-9-16
- Publication Date: 2011
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 15p
- Monograph Title: 3rd International Conference on Road Safety and Simulation
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Crash rates; Distraction; Driving simulators; Level of service; Recently qualified drivers; Text messaging; Traffic congestion; Traffic flow
- Identifier Terms: Highway Capacity Manual 2000
- Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01506169
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Jan 30 2014 1:14PM