Driver Distraction from Electronic Devices: Insights and Implications Webinar
I.D. # WB1140 Duration 4 Hours
Although many have an idea of what the term ¿driver distraction¿ means, there is no common definition within the research community. Additionally, there are many studies that have investigated the topic, but with varying and sometimes conflicting results. What should be made of these discrepancies?

This four-hour webinar will provide an overview of driver distraction (predominantly electronic devices): the problem; how to define it; the current state of research and how to critically evaluate that research to make informed decisions; and the effectiveness of state laws and fleet policies to reduce it. The conclusion of the course will summarize strategies, techniques, and technologies that have been shown to be effective in reducing distracted driving from electronic devices.
Learning Objectives
By connecting with this webinar, you will be able to:
  • Weigh the extent of the driver distraction problem
  • Define driver distraction
  • Critically examine the current state of driver distraction research
  • Identify the strengths and limitations of various research approaches that assess driver distraction from electronic devices
  • Recognize the difference between various forms of distraction (cognitive, auditory, visual, manual)
  • Assess the effectiveness of policy efforts to reduce driver distraction from electronic devices
  • Explain that all cell phone ¿tasks¿ do not have equal risk
  • Determine effective strategies, techniques, and technologies for minimizing distracted driving
Who Should Attend
This course is intended for all those interested in being equipped to critically examine the current state of research in driver distraction. Although the course is aimed at driver distraction from electronic devices, the results pertain to driver distraction in general. Vehicle manufacturers, OEMs, and cell phone providers and manufacturers will be able to use the information presented in this webinar to develop engineering solutions in this area. Government and driving advocate officials will be able to use the information presented in this webinar to design and deliver informed policy decisions regarding driver distraction. Transportation safety researchers will learn about the latest research in this area as well as future research needs.
Seminar Content
Session 1
  • Overview of Driver Distraction Problem
    • Statistics (crashes, injuries, fatalities, monetary burden)
  • Forms of Distraction
    • Cognitive
    • Visual
    • Auditory
    • Manual
    • Definition of Driver Distraction
    • Overview of Methods to Assess Driver Distraction
      • Epidemiological
      • Empirical
      • Naturalistic
Session 2
  • Possible Reasons for Discrepancies
    • Driver Choice
    • Self-regulation
    • Arousal
  • Effectiveness of Policy Efforts to Reduce Driver Distraction from Electronic Devices
  • Research Needs/Next Steps
  • Minimizing Distracted Driving from Electronic Devices (what works, what shows promise, what doesn't work)
  • Summary
Instructor(s): Jeffrey Hickman
Jeff Hickman

Dr. Jeffrey Hickman is a Group Leader at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. His primary areas of research include community-wide applications of behavior-based safety, self-management, and organizational culture change techniques, assessing driver behavior, fatigue, work/rest cycles, and driver distraction in commercial motor operations. These research projects include competitive research awards from the FMCSA, NHTSA, Mine Health and Safety Administration, National Transportation Research Center, Inc., Transportation Research Board, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. He has over 60 presentations, 30 scientific publications and technical reports, scientific reviews for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and currently serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, Accident Analysis and Prevention, and Journal of Organizational Behavior Management. Dr. Hickman is also the President of Hickman Management Solutions. He has significant experience in the design, delivery, and implementation of targeted solutions for organizations looking to improve safety, productivity, and performance.

Test your PC and connection to see if it meets the minimum system requirements for the WebEx online training center before you register. Go to http://www.webex.com/lp/jointest/ and follow the onscreen instructions for "Join Meeting Test".

NOTE: The course presentation will be recorded and made available for 30 days to those who register by the deadline.
Testimonial
"Very interesting topic and good insight on past studies."
Susan Drescher
Product Management
Continental Automotive

Fees: $405 SAE Members*: $324 - $365
* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process.  Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%
CEU .4