A simulation approach for evaluating the relative safety impact of driver distraction during secondary tasks

Any driver behavior that draws the driver's attention away from the roadway may increase the chance of a crash. This study developed a procedure to simulate safety impacts associated with driver distraction due to various secondary tasks. The simulation models a rear end hazard scenario where a lead vehicle suddenly decelerates while a driver is engaged in a secondary task. The simulation was tested with a sample set of data collected from drivers in test track and on-the-road trials. The outcomes of the simulation can be used to rank secondary tasks on a relative basis using measures that are uniform and safety-relevant.