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Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
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An Investigation of Driver Distraction Near the Tipping Point of Traffic Flow Stability

Joel M. Cooper

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, joel.cooper{at}psych.utah.edu

Ivana Vladisavljevic

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

Nathan Medeiros-Ward

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

Peter T. Martin

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

David L. Strayer

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationship between driver distraction and characteristics of driver behavior associated with reduced highway traffic efficiency. Background: Research on the three-phase traffic theory and on behavioral driving suggests that a number of characteristics associated with efficient traffic flow may be affected by driver distraction. Previous studies have been limited, however, by the fact that researchers typically do not allow participants to change lanes, nor do they account for the impact of varying traffic states on driving performance. Methods: Participants drove in three simulated environments with differing traffic congestion while both using and not using a cell phone. Instructed only to obey the speed limit, participants were allowed to vary driving behaviors, such as those involving forward following distance, speed, and lane-changing frequency. Results: Both driver distraction and traffic congestion were found to significantly affect lane change frequency, mean speed, and the likelihood of remaining behind a slower-moving lead vehicle. Conclusions: This research suggests that the behavioral profile of "cell phone drivers," which is often described as compensatory, may have far-reaching and unexpected consequences for traffic efficiency. Application: By considering the dynamic interplay between characteristics of traffic flow and driver behavior, this research may inform both public policy regarding in-vehicle cell phone use and future investigations of driving behavior.

Key Words: driver behavior • driver distraction • traffic congestion • highway safety • highway and vehicle design • surface transportation systems • simulation and virtual reality • accidents • safety • human error • three-phase-traffic theory • driving performance • impact of varying traffic states • cell phone driver behavior • in-vehicle cell phone use

Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Vol. 51, No. 2, 261-268 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0018720809337503
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