Advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), have revolutionized our understanding of the prevalence and dangers of distracted driving. Thousands of people lose their lives each year due to distracted driving crashes, making it a critical issue that requires extensive research and effective solutions. However, existing methods of collecting data on distracted driving habits have their limitations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recently conducted studies utilizing roadside cameras and smartphone data, known as telematics, to gain new insights into distracted driving. These innovative techniques have proven to be highly effective in identifying and capturing distracting behaviors with precision.
One of the significant advantages of using high-definition cameras is their ability to detect distracting behaviors almost as accurately as a human observer. Unlike human observers, cameras can be strategically placed along freeways to capture drivers engaging in distracting activities, even at high speeds. This not only provides a comprehensive understanding of the problem but also enables the allocation of resources to address the issue more effectively.
Compared to the current data collection method employed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which relies on annual roadside surveys, cameras offer greater flexibility and accuracy. The roadside surveys are limited as they observe people only when they are stopped at traffic intersections. Additionally, these surveys are conducted for a brief period during the summer, providing just a snapshot in time. In contrast, cameras can be deployed year-round, capturing data in riskier situations and offering a more comprehensive view of distracted driving behavior.
AI-powered software has the potential to further enhance data screening by identifying likely cases of distraction. This, coupled with the ability of cameras to collect data more frequently and in larger volumes, contributes to a more in-depth understanding of the problem. IIHS has conducted experiments to determine the accuracy of camera-based observers compared to in-person monitors. Volunteers at a test track were monitored using both digital cameras and human observers. The cameras accurately identified distracting behaviors 72% of the time, while human observers achieved an accuracy rate of 78%.
The portability of camera systems is another advantage, making it feasible to move them around using trailers instead of mounting cameras along every mile of heavily trafficked roadways. This cost-effective approach could be used to enforce cellphone law violations, similar to the effectiveness of traffic safety cameras in regulating speed and red light running.
In addition to cameras, telematics data extracted from drivers’ cellphones provides a richer dataset, albeit from a smaller population. Insurance companies often provide safe-driver apps that record various driver behaviors, including handheld calls, texting, hard braking, and speeding. Unlike roadside cameras that only capture data at a specific location, telematics data can provide insights into the entire trip, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of distracted driving behavior.
Although the introduction of telematics offers valuable insights, it does have limitations. There are concerns of self-selection bias, as drivers who choose to use safe-driver apps may already be more attentive behind the wheel. Additionally, privacy concerns arise with both camera surveillance and cellphone apps, although IIHS affirms that the cellphone data used in their study cannot be used to identify individual drivers.
While technology plays a crucial role in understanding distracted driving habits, human observers still possess a unique ability to capture nuanced information that cameras or smartphone apps may miss. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that combines technology with human observation is essential to tackle the issue effectively.
IIHS considers their studies to be the necessary first steps in leveraging technology to gain a deeper understanding of distracted driving habits. By using advanced techniques and analyzing extensive data, researchers hope to find effective solutions that can ultimately save lives. The insights gained from this research will undoubtedly shape future attempts to combat distracted driving and create safer roadways for all.
