MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Bad Driving is Associated with Lower Awareness of Driving
Authors:	David M. Sanbonmatsu and David L. Strayer
University:	University of Utah
Publication Date:	Sep 2019
Report #:	MPC-19-400
Project #:	MPC-525
TRID #:	01719546
Keywords:	awareness, driver errors, driver performance, drivers, driving simulators, emotions, perception, traffic safety

Abstract

Studies of self-regulation suggest that monitoring is essential for task performance and the attainment of goals. Research was conducted to investigate factors affecting the monitoring of driving and driving safety. Participants drove on a simulator course while discussing emotional topics or daily routines. Participants' perceptions of their driving errors, safety, and performance were recorded. Measures were also taken of the importance of driving safety and performance on the simulator. Driving safety as reflected by driving errors was strongly associated with self-awareness of driving. Driving self-awareness and driving safety were greater when the importance of driving safely was high. The discussion of emotional topics had no effect on driving, driving self-awareness, or affect. Findings indicate that lower driving self-awareness is associated with bad driving. Driving education programs should teach developing drivers that monitoring their driving performance and state is central to safely operating a motor vehicle.

How to Cite

Sanbonmatsu, David M., and David L. Strayer. Bad Driving is Associated with Lower Awareness of Driving, MPC-19-400. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2019.