September 2004 - Accident Reconstruction Newsletter

Examination of the Distraction Effects of Wireless Phone Interfaces Using the National Advanced Driving Simulator
Preliminary Report on a Freeway Pilot Study - April 2004

Executive Summary

In recent years, studies have shown that use of wireless phones while driving contributes to crashes. Numerous efforts are under way to pass legislation that makes it illegal to use handheld wireless phones while driving. The assumption behind this move is that any technology that reduces the visual-manual demands of wireless telecommunications must be safer, since the driver can keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road when using a hands-free system. However, research has not supported this assumption. Through research, NHTSA seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the implications of hands-free wireless phone
operations while driving.

The report provides a preliminary description of NHTSA research currently underway to investigate the effects of wireless phone use on driving performance and behavior. The main objective of the research is to collect information useful in the assessment of 1) the distraction potential of wireless phone use while driving, and 2) the difference in distraction caused by the use of a hands-free wireless phone interface versus that associated with use of a hand-held interface. Of particular interest is whether using hand-held wireless phone interfaces (e.g., dialing, answering, conversation) while driving degrades driving performance more than does hands-free wireless phones. In addition, research will address the question of whether younger and/or older drivers exhibit worse driving performance during wireless phone task components than middle-aged drivers. Lastly, the research will examine whether drivers glance away from the forward roadway more when using a hands-free wireless phone interface than they do when using a wireless phone in a hand-held configuration.

This research is being conducted by NHTSA using the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) in collaboration with NADS staff. The researchers have prepared this preliminary report to describe and document the development of a four-lane divided freeway driving scenario and associated events, as well as driving and wireless phone tasks. Documentation of the scenario and experimental design processes is intended to assist other researchers in preparing to conduct research on the NADS.

Lessons learned during the process of developing the simulator scenario and experimental methods are outlined in hopes of benefiting other researchers involved in similar projects. Results of the main freeway experiment and details of the refined test protocol will be provided in a subsequent report.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT (PDF)

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• Cell Phone – Vicarious Liability Issues
  Can You Hear Me Now?
• Drowsy Driving and Automobile Crashes
• National Survey of Distracted and Drowsy Driving - Attitudes and Behaviors: 2002
• National Survey of Speeding and Unsafe Driving - Attitudes and Behaviors: 2002
• State Distracted Driving Laws Chart
• Examination of the Distraction Effects of Wireless Phone Interfaces Using the National Advanced Driving Simulator - Preliminary Report on a Freeway Pilot Study
• Driver Eye Glance Behavior During Car Following
• Northwestern University Class Schedule

• ARC Network New Members
• October 2004 Training Events
  (Currently 15 events scheduled)
• In The News
• Membership Information

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