Characterizing Technology's Influence on Distractive Behavior at Signalized Intersections

Distracted driving existed since the invention of automobile; however, emergence cell phone and electronic devices created another source distraction that affected drivers visually, physically, cognitively, audibly. Many studies investigated factors influenced saturation flow startup lost time at a signalized intersection, but impact new distractions, such as in-vehicle entertainment systems, remained less investigated. This study aimed to characterize technology's influence on driver behavior intersections distractions through field test conducted three in Texas. used observational analysis hypothesis testing understand behaviors their impacts individual aggregated time. On average, 15% experienced during red indication, distracted more than 60% these drivers. However, vehicles located behind heavy vehicle an 20% were distracted, 80% phone. Statistical showed caused significantly higher headways total times non-distraction conditions. More importantly, technology-induced distraction, which significant intersection delay, was uncertain varied from event non-technology-induced delay. prevalent use phones flow, critical properly determine phase cycle lengths.