Citation

Bishop R, Lueck M, Murray D, Bowman D, Bergoffen G. CTBSSP Synth. Ser. 2011; (24): 1-81.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this synthesis was to report the state of research and practice with the intent of examining both distractions, as well as any protective (safety enhancing) effects of particular devices. Distracted driving for commercial drivers was defined as attending to tasks not directly related to operating the vehicle. A literature review was conducted to assess recent research and current issues. The primary focus was to further understand driver distraction. It consisted of reports and analyses available from academic, government, and industry sources. Because available truck and bus technology capabilities have been changing dramatically over the last 10 to 15 years, literature cited here was published within that time frame. The information is included in the following sections: the nature of distracted driving, driver tasks unique to professional drivers, countermeasure technologies and their effectiveness, and operational strategies and recommended practice. As driver distraction was found to be an extremely complex issue with much of the historical research presenting conflicting results, considerably more research is suggested to fully understand the physical, cognitive, and emotional attributes of driver distraction. Based on the results of the literature review, a screening survey was developed to identify fleet managers willing to participate in structured interviews to understand their view of distracted driving and countermeasures they have put in place to reduce the risk of crashes related to distraction. The response size was small; there were 34 survey responses from motor carriers with 21 follow-up structured interviews conducted, with large and small fleets represented. There were 13 survey responses from large and small fleet motor coach representatives. Survey responses were primarily subjective responses to subjective questions and although not a representative sample of the larger population, still revealing because of the comparative information they provide. It was concluded that understanding how distraction types affect driving performance is important to improving the efficacy of countermeasures in triggering monitoring devices.


Keywords: Driver distraction;

Language: en