Citation

Parnell KJ, Stanton NA, Plant K. Theor. Issues Ergonomics Sci. 2018; 19(5): 578-605.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1463922X.2017.1414333

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Research within the road transport domain is progressively recognising the importance of taking a systems view of accident analysis. This signals a movement away from the more traditional approaches that aim to determine cause-effect relationships and attribute blame to the end-user. The multiple accidents associated with distracted driving have typically sought to establish the role of the driver and attribute responsibility to the individual. This paper will look at the approach that has been used to study distracted driving, the methods employed to study it and the recommendations they have provided to practise. The role of rapidly developing technology is discussed as more sources of distraction are presented to the driver. The limitations of the current approach lead to the proposition of a systems approach to driver distraction that aligns with the study of safety in other domains. This paper provides a novel overview of the variety of methodologies used to study distracted driving and how they may impact on the resulting countermeasures. The suggestion of a research-practice gap within the road transport domain is explored. The benefits of systems-based approaches, and their place in advancing driver distraction research for the development of future recommendations, are presented.

Language: en

Keywords

Driver distraction; in-vehicle technology; qualitative methodology; quantitative methodology; sociotechnical systems