There is converging evidence that driver distraction is a contributing factor in car crashes, in Australia and overseas. Surprisingly, no known previous research has attempted to identify and assess the potentially distracting activities undertaken by the drivers of public passenger vehicles. This paper describes research undertaken on this issue. The research was partitioned into three phases: an analysis of the functions and tasks currently undertaken by public passenger vehicle drivers; the identification of actual and potential sources of driver distraction; and the assessment of potential risk deriving from distraction. This paper describes the research activities conducted during these phases and the outcomes of these activities. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E216178.
Samenvatting