Citation

Pickrell TM, Kc S. Traffic Safety Facts Res. Note 2015; 2015: DOT HS 812 197.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, (in public domain), Publisher U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the United States, the percentage of drivers text-messaging or visibly manipulating handheld devices increased from 1.7 percent in 2013 to 2.2 percent in 2014; this was a statistically significant increase. Driver handheld cell phone use decreased from 4.6 percent in 2013 to 4.3 percent in 2014; however, this was not a statistically significant decrease. These results are from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), which provides the only nationwide probability-based observed data on driver electronic device use in the United States. The NOPUS is conducted annually by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NOPUS is the only nationwide probability-based observational survey of driver electronic device use in the United States. The survey observes usage as it actually occurs at randomly selected roadway sites and thus provides the best tracking of the extent to which people in the United States use cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

The survey data is collected by trained data collectors at probabilistically sampled intersections controlled by stop signs or stoplights, where data collectors observe, from the roadside, drivers and other occupants of passenger vehicles having no commercial or government markings. Data is col- lected between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Only stopped vehicles are observed to allow time to collect the variety of information required by the survey, including subjective assessments of occupants’ age and race. Observers collect data on the driver, right-front passenger, and up to two passengers in the second row of seats. Observers do not interview occupants, so that NOPUS can capture the untainted behavior of occupants. The 2014 NOPUS data was collected from June 2 to June 27, while the 2013 data was collected from June 3 to June 13.

Statistically significant increases in the use of handheld phones, headset use, and manipulation of handheld devices between 2013 and 2014 are shown.