Nichole Morris

Are cellular phone blocking applications effective for novice teen drivers

PROBLEM Distracted driving is a significant concern for novice teen drivers. Although cellular phone bans are applied in many jurisdictions to restrict cellular phone use, teen drivers often report making calls and texts while driving. METHOD The Minnesota Teen Driver Study incorporated cellular phone blocking functions via a software application for 182 novice teen drivers in two treatment conditions. The first condition included 92 teens who ran a driver support application on a smartphone that also blocked phone usage. The second condition included 90 teens who ran the same application with phone blocking but which also reported back to parents about monitored risky behaviors (e.g., speeding). A third control group consisting of 92 novice teen drivers had the application and phone-based software installed on the phones to record cellular phone (but not block it) use while driving. RESULTS The two treatment groups made significantly fewer calls and texts per mile driven compared to the control group. The control group data also demonstrated a higher propensity to text while driving rather than making calls. DISCUSSION Software that blocks cellular phone use (except 911) while driving can be effective at mitigating calling and texting for novice teen drivers. However, subjective data indicates that some teens were motivated to find ways around the software, as well as to use another teens phone while driving when they were unable to use theirs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Cellular phone bans for calling and texting are the first step to changing behaviors associated with texting and driving, particularly among novice teen drivers. Blocking software has the additional potential to reduce impulsive calling and texting while driving among novice teen drivers who might logically know the risks, but for whom it is difficult to ignore calling or texting while driving.

An Assessment of Safety Culture While Navigating Work Zones Attitudes and Behavior Toward In-Vehicle Messaging Technologies

A survey was administered to evaluate a variety of driver opinions, behaviors, and technology use in the context of work zones. Safety culture thematic inquiries, such as willingness to use a cell phone while driving, as well as adherence and trust of conventional work zone signage were included in the driver behavior inventory. Thematic results were examined through a factor analyses, providing insight into the relationship among responses to survey items. Study results contribute to the understanding of driver attitudes towards conventional signage in work zones, driver perceptions of their and others’ safety, and the degree to which drivers are receptive to new in-vehicle technologies to supplement signage. Driver attitudes and reported interactions with phones while driving is discussed. The study explores the safety and acceptance potential of an in-vehicle, smartphone-based, work zone messaging system on driver behavior and roadway safety.

Minimizing the impact of interruptions in a pediatric retail pharmacy

Researchers identified two needs of the in-hospital pediatric retail pharmacy. First was the reduction of the risk and frequency of errors. Second was the need to improve the efficiency of primary pharmacy tasks. Interruptions were identified as the primary issue. The team performed an extensive literature review and conducted interviews and observations to assess the pharmacy work system, work flow, and the impact of interruptions. A human factors analysis was done to accurately represent the pharmacy work system from data collection, and derive recommendations to improve efficiency and accuracy. Some of the recommendations were rapidly implemented into the pharmacy work system, including increased staffing during periods of high work demand, changes to counter spacing, and design changes to bags intended to contain refrigerated components. The research team conducted follow-up observations and collected survey data from pharmacy staff to determine the impact of the implemented interventions and identify key improvements.

Addressing Key Concerns Regarding Automated Speed Enforcement via Interactive Survey

Speeding is a public health crisis that accounts for approximately one-third of roadway deaths each year in the United States. One countermeasure with clearly documented efficacy to reduce speed is automated speed enforcement (ASE). Public acceptance, however, has been marginal, with many drivers calling into question its need and legality. This project aimed to measure public rejection of ASE and to provide individualized information strategically to determine if opinions may be shifted more favorably as a result. Statistically significant movement on ASE opinion was achieved after respondents engaged with a tailored survey that addressed their particular concerns about ASE. Almost half (47%) of those who began with a neutral or negative opinion of ASE moved toward a more favorable opinion of it. Those who changed their opinion were more engaged (e.g., considered the opposite of their current stance more fully) and were persuaded by evidence of safety benefits that result from effective speed reduction with ASE deployment.

Sources of Secondary Task Interference with Driving: Executive Processes or Verbal and Visuo-spatial Rehearsal Processes?:

We investigated the effects of secondary working memory tasks that loaded either visuo-spatial working memory or verbal working memory (phonological loop) and which required either rehearsal or executive processes involving stimulus manipulation. The effects of the secondary tasks on driver look-out behavior and driving performance were assessed. Preliminary studies were conducted to select tasks that resulted in similar levels of accuracy and perceived difficulty across modalities (visuo-spatial, verbal, rehearse, and manipulate). Piloting and the preliminary studies were also used to evaluate different visual tasks and to select a visual task that could not be encoded verbally. Results of the study reveal that driving performance is significantly impaired while performing a secondary manipulation task than performing a rehearsal task of equivalent difficulty. The study finds that visuo-spatial and verbal secondary tasks produce the same level of interference with overall driving performance.