An investigation of driver distraction near the tipping point of traffic flow stability.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationship between driver distraction and characteristics of driver behavior associated with reduced highway traffic efficiency.


BACKGROUND
Research on the three-phase traffic theory and on behavioral driving suggests that a number of characteristics associated with efficient traffic flow may be affected by driver distraction. Previous studies have been limited, however, by the fact that researchers typically do not allow participants to change lanes, nor do they account for the impact of varying traffic states on driving performance.


METHODS
Participants drove in three simulated environments with differing traffic congestion while both using and not using a cell phone. Instructed only to obey the speed limit, participants were allowed to vary driving behaviors, such as those involving forward following distance, speed, and lane-changing frequency.


RESULTS
Both driver distraction and traffic congestion were found to significantly affect lane change frequency, mean speed, and the likelihood of remaining behind a slower-moving lead vehicle.


CONCLUSIONS
This research suggests that the behavioral profile of "cell phone drivers," which is often described as compensatory, may have far-reaching and unexpected consequences for traffic efficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
By considering the dynamic interplay between characteristics of traffic flow and driver behavior, this research may inform both public policy regarding in-vehicle cell phone use and future investigations of driving behavior.
Cooper
Joel M
JM
Department of Psychology, 380 S., 1520 E., Rm. 502, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. joel.cooper@psych.utah.edu
Vladisavljevic
Ivana
I
Medeiros-Ward
Nathan
N
Martin
Peter T
PT
Strayer
David L
DL
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology; D040421:Cell Phone; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult