Driver distraction
There is a growing body of evidence that driver distractions, both within vehicles and in the road environment, are becoming an increasingly large cause of road trauma.
In the USA, it is estimated that approximately one-quarter of vehicle crashes results from the driver being inattentive or distracted.
As wireless communication, entertainment and driver assistance systems proliferate across the vehicle market, there are concerns that distraction-related crashes may escalate.
Several issues are important in responding effectively to driver distraction:
Driver distraction data: Collecting comprehensive crash information is an important first step in addressing road safety risks related to driver distraction. This information should provide a better understanding of the prevalence of driver involvement in distracting activities, and be used to develop effective means of addressing road safety risks.
In-vehicle driver distractions: Technology based in-vehicle driver distractions include mobile phones and entertainment systems such as radio, CD and DVD players. Using a mobile phone, whether hand held or hands free, is estimated to increase crash risk by up to four times.
With growing consumer demand for potentially distracting in-vehicle technology, it is important to identify the extent to which this technology is being used, the associated road safety risks and any effective countermeasures.
Other distractions, such as conversing with passengers and changing music, can also distract the driver. Research suggests that for some drivers, passengers are a greater source of distraction than mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Out-of-vehicle distractions: Poorly considered roadside signage and advertising can generate visual clutter, creating a distraction for drivers. A more strategic approach is required regarding the installation, use and content of scrolling, moving and video style advertising.
Vehicle technology/design: Vehicle design has a major impact on the potential distracting effects of new in-vehicle technologies. Ways of improving the safety of in-vehicle technology and its use requires ongoing investigation and development, in liaison with vehicle designers and manufacturers.
Public education: Education campaigns have the potential to raise awareness of both the known risks related to distraction and driving, and of the limits of and the optimal use of in-vehicle technologies to minimise distraction. Driver licensing processes are also effective channels through which road users can be educated about driver distraction risk.
What the strategy will do
Measures to reduce the incidence and severity of driver distraction related crashes will include:
- Conducting research to ascertain the prevalence of mobile phone use, and other in-vehicle technologies by drivers in Victoria to quantify the problem and provide benchmarks for developing and evaluating countermeasures.
- Engaging behavioural scientists to review guidelines for the regulation of all roadside signage and advertising, including location, size and content.
- Trialling innovative enforcement techniques to detect illegal mobile phone use.
- Engaging vehicle manufacturers in establishing appropriate design principles in relation to in-vehicle technology.
- Undertaking targeted public education campaigns to highlight the road safety dangers associated with distraction from electronic in-vehicle devices, and with everyday distractions such as conversing with passengers.
- Including awareness of driver distraction in the driver licensing processes.
