This State of Knowledge report expands upon the understanding of behavioral factors related to driver distraction from portable electronic device (PED) use, following the 2008 NHTSA State of Knowledge report. It serves as a resource for highway safety stakeholders by outlining the state of driver PED-use challenges from 2008 to September 2022, structured around four key focus areas: driver use of PEDs, effects on driver behavior and performance, effects on safety, and reducing driver distraction. The report describes an increase in PED use while driving, with self-report data revealing 6.4% of total driving time involves PED use. Experimental studies described within this report have shown PED use, specifically requiring drivers to take their eyes away from the forward roadway or their hands off the steering wheel, impact the ability to steer the vehicle, maintain lane position, and react to events. However, little was found on large-scale activities to prevent distracted driving from the use of PEDs or lessen its consequences. Although some approaches show promise based on the limited information available, the lack of strong evidence and the inherent limitations of the few studies conducted prevent the identification of any preferred approaches.
Reference
Wright, T. J., Blomberg, R. D., Pradhan, A. K., Finstad, K., & Blenner, J. A. (2024, December). State-of-knowledge on distracted driving due to portable electronic device use: 2008 – 2022 update (Report No. DOT HS 813 645). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
