Drivers' behavior through a yellow light: Effects of distraction and age

Amanda D. Ohlhauser, Linda Ng Boyle, Dawn Marshall, Omar Ahmad

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The decision to proceed through an intersection once the traffic signal has changed to yellow may increase the risk for a collision. This study sought to understand how age differences, cell phone use, and time to the stop line affected the likelihood that a driver would continue through a yellow light as observed in a driving simulator study. Four age groups were examined; novice (16 years), younger (18-25 years), middle (30-45 years) and older (50-60 years). The novice drivers were also between four to eight weeks of licensure. The likelihood that a driver would either drive through a yellow phase or stop was examined using a logistic regression model. A significant interaction effect between age groups and cell phone use was observed. More specifically, novice drivers talking on a handheld phone were significantly more likely than middle-aged drivers to proceed through the intersection. This study examines the safety consequences that may result for these novice drivers as they engage in distracting tasks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 55th Annual Meeting, HFES 2011
Pages1919-1923
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event55th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, HFES 2011 - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: Sep 19 2011Sep 23 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

Conference55th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, HFES 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period9/19/119/23/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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