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Distracted Driving Countermeasures for Commercial Vehicles (2012)

Chapter: Chapter One - Introduction

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Suggested Citation:"Chapter One - Introduction." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2012. Distracted Driving Countermeasures for Commercial Vehicles. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14638.
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5PROJECT OVERVIEW Driver distraction for all vehicle types is an area of concern across the surface transportation industry, as indicated in 2010 by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who called it an “epidemic” and characterized it as “unsafe, irresponsible, and, in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.” The increased use of basic cell phones has been followed by the rapid proliferation of smart phones, aftermarket navigation systems [e.g., global positioning systems (GPS)], and iPad- type devices, all of which are more text-oriented, presenting the added issue of texting while driving. The automotive industry has been an active participant in implementing distracted driving countermeasures for its customers. Owing to the different market dynamics for com- mercial trucks and motor coaches, it is possible that cell phones and other devices have proliferated without commen- surate countermeasures. Furthermore, the nature of operating a commercial truck or motor coach may introduce additional distractions, relating to areas such as weigh-in-motion and passenger interactions. In addition, the net effect of in-vehicle communications devices needs to be taken into account. For example, cell phones are enablers for the Amber Alert program, and the provision of traffic mobility information through 511 sys- tems and hands-free devices have been shown to have a pro- tective (i.e., safety-enhancing) stimulative effect on drivers (Olson et al. 2009). To assess the state of research and practice in this respect was the purpose of this synthesis study, which drew on the large body of research that has focused on the many facets of dis- tracted driving, as well as through structured interviews with fleet representatives and manufacturers of related products. This safety synthesis project focused on both truck and bus drivers. The goals of the study were to: (1) review related literature, with a particular focus on countermeasures for driver distrac- tion; (2) survey motor carrier and motor coach managers to identify fleet managers willing to participate in the structured interview portion of the project; (3) identify, through struc- tured interviews with fleet managers, current and potential tactics and training methodologies to assist motor carriers and drivers in avoiding crashes through the awareness of danger- ous actions and possible countermeasures; and (4) identify gaps in knowledge and research needs. For the purposes of this synthesis study, distracted driving for commercial drivers was defined as attending to tasks not directly related to operating the vehicle. Integrated displays and controls implemented by the vehicle manufacturer were considered as part of vehicle operation. This was also true of reading and comprehending roadside signage; therefore, the specific distraction sources examined were: • Internal sources – Vehicle-based—communication devices, aftermarket active safety systems, onboard entertainment systems, GPS navigation systems, and dispatching devices; and – Job-based: interactions of passenger in buses and trucks. • External sources – Weigh-in-motion or vehicle-in-motion inspections. APPROACH The study began with a literature review to assess recent research and current issues. Based on the results of the liter- ature review, a screening survey was developed that was dis- tributed to motor carrier and motor coach managers. The screening survey identified those fleet managers who were willing to participate in the structured interview portion of the project. Interviews were held with these fleet managers to understand their views of distracted driving and any counter- measures they have put in place to reduce the risk of crashes related to distraction. The conclusions of this report were developed from the literature review, screening survey results, and structured interviews. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION

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TRB’s Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program (CTBSSP) Synthesis 24: Distracted Driving Countermeasures for Commercial Vehicles examines driving distractions, as well as any protective (safety-enhancing) effects of particular devices. Distracted driving for commercial drivers is defined as attending to tasks not directly related to operating the vehicle.

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