Transportation Learning Network

Virtual Learning

MPC Research: Cell Phone Use Diminishes Self-Awareness of the Adverse Effects of Cell Phone Use on Driving

  • Feb 14, 2018
    Virtual Learning (desktop/laptop and mobile devices)

The above opportunity and more can be accessed by visiting the TLN Learning Management System (LMS).

Description

This webinar will present the research findings on the Mountain-Plains Consortium Research Project MPC-407 on drivers and cell phone usage. Two research reports were created during this project:

  • Why Drivers Use Cell Phones and Support Legislation to Restrict This Practice, Report MPC-17-323
  • Cell Phone Use Diminishes Self-Awareness of the Adverse Effects of Cell Phone Use on Driving, Report MPC-17-322

A study investigated why drivers talk on a cell phone while supporting legislation to restrict this practice. Drivers reported using cell phones for benefits such as connecting with friends and getting work done. Most believe they can drive safely while using mobile devices. However, they support legislation to restrict cell phone use because they believe that others drivers' use of cell phones is dangerous. A second study examined how distractions affect the self-awareness of driving safety. Participants drove on a simulator while talking or not talking on a cell phone. Cell phone usage not only diminished the safeness of participants' driving, it diminished their awareness of the safeness of their driving. This lack of awareness may perpetuate drivers' overconfidence in their ability to drive safely while distracted.

Speaker(s)

David Sanbonmatsu, Ph.D. Professor at the University of Utah, Department of Psychology. David has conducted research in human judgment, decision making, and performance. His work at the Center for the Prevention of Distracted Driving has focused on the impact of driving attitudes and distractions on driving safety. David received his BS degree from the University of California, Davis and his Ph.D. from Indiana University.

Target Audience

Traffic operations, safety, risk managers, researchers and policymakers.