Citation

Mikoski P, Zlupko G, Owens DA. Transp. Res. F Traffic Psychol. Behav. 2019; 62: 416-434.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.trf.2019.01.011

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A nationwide survey of 492 drivers, ages 18-76 yrs., assessed their understanding of risks associated with (a) driver distraction and (b) poor visibility at night, as well as performance of common safety-related behaviors by themselves and other drivers. Drivers of all ages rated use of smart phones to be significantly more distracting than tasks such as listening to music, interacting with a passenger, or talking on a phone. They reported performing safety-positive behaviors (e.g., check blind spots, use turn signals) at a high frequency, and performing safety-negative behaviors (e.g., talk on phone or send text messages) at very low frequency, although younger drivers admitted use of smart phones more frequently than older drivers. Respondents estimated that other drivers are more likely than themselves to engage in safety-negative behaviors and less likely to perform safety-positive behaviors. Differences between self and others were smaller if others were rated first. Respondents also reported that most driving tasks are easier in daylight than at night, and that they drive more slowly at night. However, they greatly overestimated how far they can see a pedestrian at night, and their lack of awareness of poor visibility at night was confirmed by insufficient use of high-beam headlights and trivial reductions in the maximum "comfortable" speeds at night. These findings indicate that most drivers are fully aware of the risks associated with distraction through use of smart phones, although younger drivers admit using those devices. Moreover, although they are dimly aware of increased difficulty when driving at night, respondents greatly overestimated the visibility of pedestrians at night, and they generally fail to compensate for limited night vision through use of high-beam headlights and reduction of speed.

Language: en

Keywords

Day vs. night speeds; Driver distraction; High-beams usage; Night visibility; Ratings of self vs. other drivers