A survey on inattention and distraction among 3662 car drivers who had been involved in a crash, and a random sample of 345 car owners, showed that distraction was present in 26 % of crashes. Internal (cognitive) distraction, i.e., impaired concentration on the driving task due to daydreaming or concern about matters unrelated to the traffic situation, was present in about 12 % of crashes, and it was the distraction factor with the highest risk. Survey results confirm previous studies showing increased risk during telephoning while driving. Almost three percent of drivers write and send messages during driving, and 4.5 % read messages. There is also a significant risk increase associated with tuning a car radio, and with distraction factors outside the vehicle. The share of drivers having fallen asleep during the latest 12 months was 2.7 %, and 2.8 % of these incidents resulted in a crash. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting