Citation

Gao J. Transp. Res. Circular 2017; (E-C221): pp 1-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Driver distraction represents a potential threat in roadway safety. Although previous research indicates that driver distraction could have negative effects on driving performance, the specific association between driver distraction and crash risk still remains largely unknown. This study aimed to understand the mechanism by which driver distraction could influence crash risk in freeway rear-ending events, and reaction time was chosen as the indicator of crash risk. Statistical analysis was conducted and both linear and causal models were established based on the 108 freeway rear-ending events extracted from the second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study database. The analysis suggests that there is an association between driver distraction and reaction time, and distraction duration and the distracted status when a leader braked is positively related to reaction time.

Language: en

Keywords

Drivers; Driving; Reaction time; Automatic data collection systems; Distraction; Rear end crashes; Strategic Highway Research Program 2