Smartphones and Driver/Pedestrian Distraction

Smartphones and Driver/Pedestrian Distraction

Background

Individuals interact with their smartphones throughout the day, regardless of the activity they are performing (e.g., dining in restaurants, walking, having a conversation, shopping, or driving).

In the US, phone calls are no longer a preferred method of communication. Individuals nowadays prefer to communicate via text messages. The use of mobile instant messaging applications (e.g., WhatsApp, Messenger, iMessage, Viber) rather than messaging services from cellular service providers have become very popular among users, far outpacing the use of more traditional text messaging. Although, the global usage of these modes of communication may not be considered as often as traditional voice and text message phone records when assessing accident causation due to potential driver distraction from phone usage.

Approach

Ongoing research performed by Explico aims to highlight the prevalence of instant messaging applications, the need to consider the usage of instant messaging applications when assessing potential driver and pedestrian distractions due to smartphone usage, and some initial tools for gathering data on usage of some of the applications.

Research performed by Explico resulted in peer-reviewed publications.

Takeaway

People send more messages through IM apps vs messages operated by cellular network carriers
IM apps are a source for driver distraction
Information can be requested, following the proper protocols
Some IM apps provide the users direct means to acquire information

< Previous Next >

No items found.

No items found.

back to research projects

Associated Professionals

Steve Arndt, PhD, CHFP

Principal Scientist

Related Disciplines

Related Research Projects

Headlamp Mapping and Nighttime Visibility

Vehicle headlamps and ambient lighting are the primary sources of light in nighttime driving scenarios.

Seat Belt Physical Evidence

Seat belts dramatically reduce the risk of injury in motor vehicle collisions.

Telemetry Data Acquisition using GoPro Cameras

When Explico’s engineers discovered that some GoPro cameras contain GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope instrumentation, they decided to put it to the test.

The Contribution of Posterior Spinal Muscles and Facet Joint Contact in Reducing Disk Herniation Risk

Disc herniations occur in a biomechanical environment consistent with forward bending, i.e. compression and flexion of the spine.

Spatial Awareness and Depth Perception in Various Display Methodologies (e.g. 2D and 360 degree Photos/Videos, and Virtual Reality)

The ability to accurately depict the scene of an incident to a jury is a key element of presenting trial demonstratives.

Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity in a Virtual Environment

Virtual reality (VR) and head-mounted displays (HMDs) can be viable tools for the presentation of accurate and valid demonstrative data in the courtroom.

Hand and Foot Forces in Occupational Railcar Ascent

Falls from ladders are a major cause of worker injuries and fatalities.

Disparate Patterns of Skull Fracture

Determining the etiology of skull trauma by analyzing the resulting fracture pattern is a common forensic objective that has been demonstrated to follow generalized trends.

Biomechanical Analysis of Rear-End Collision Integrating Subject-Specific Posture & Vehicle Fit

Available kinematic and kinetic data with respect to low speed rear-end collisions are typically limited to volunteer, cadaver, and anthropomorphic test device.

Skull Fracture Origination

Forensic evaluations of fracture patterns arising from blunt force trauma to the human head have traditionally relied upon case studies rather than controlled experimental data.

Out of Position Analysis of Rear-End Collision Integrating Subject-Specific Posture

Kinetic and kinematic data collected from controlled low-speed rear-end crash tests are typically limited to normally seated volunteers, cadavers, and anthropomorphic test devices.

Pediatric Injury and “Shaken Baby Syndrome”

The objective of the current study was to evaluate pediatric neck and head injury potential during purely inertial loading of the head.

Disc Herniation Mechanism

Computer simulation programs provide researchers with cost-effective methodologies for studying internal stresses and loads on biological specimens.

Assessment of Closed-Head Injury Risk During Moderately Severe Rear-End Collisions

It has been suggested that closed head injury can occur during low-to-moderate speed rear-end collisions.

Characterization of Occupant Lower Extremity Behavior During Moderate-to-High Speed Rear Impacts

Injury potential to the neck has been studied extensively for rear-end impacts.

back to research projects