Citation

Cooper JF, Ragland DR, Ewald K, Wasserman L, Murphy C. Transp. Res. Rec. 2013; 2365: 66-72.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/2365-09

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This methodological report describes survey research and data collection methods used for the second Observational Survey of Cell Phone and Texting Use Among California Drivers study conducted in 2012. This study was conducted by Ewald & Wasserman Research Consultants on behalf of the California Office of Traffic Safety and the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at the University of California, Berkeley. The goal of the survey was to obtain a statewide statistically representative observational sample of California's cell phone use behaviors, focusing on mobile device use and comparing it with the 2011 survey data. Vehicle drivers were observed at controlled intersections, such as traffic lights and stop signs; a protocol similar to the National Occupancy Protection Use Study methodology published by NHTSA was used. The sample frame included a total of 5,664 vehicle observations from 129 sites. The total percentage of drivers distracted by electronic devices (holding a phone to the ear, manipulating a handheld electronic device while driving, or talking on a handheld device) increased to 6.2% in 2012 from 4.2% in 2011. California's baseline level of cell phone use and driving will be a critical metric over the years as traffic safety stakeholders mobilize to conduct high-visibility enforcement campaigns, explore new policies, expand educational programs, and engineer countermeasures to increase safety on the roads.


Keywords: Driver distraction;