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Publication Details

Title	Uncovering driver distraction and inattention in fatal and injury crashes
Authors	Wundersitz LN
Year	2021
Type	Conference Paper
Abstract	Driver distraction and inattention is an increasingly challenging issue for road safety worldwide. This study investigated the contribution of driver distraction and inattention within 186 fatal and injury crashes using recent in-depth road crash investigation data from South Australia, investigated 2014-2018. Using an adapted taxonomy of inattention, five subtypes of driver inattention were defined: misprioritised attention, neglected attention, cursory attention, diverted attention (distraction) and unspecified inattention. Of the 160 crashes for which there was sufficient information, 31% showed evidence of driver inattention contributing to the crash with the most common subtype of inattention being distraction (14% of all crashes). The distraction-related crashes included a variety of different distractions with those located in-vehicle the most prevalent followed by internal thoughts. Distraction from phone use was identified in 2.5% of all crashes (18% of distraction crashes).The wider context in which inattention-related crashes occurred was also examined to assist in developing system-based solutions.
Sponsor	originally sponsored by MAC
Conference Name	2021 Australasian Road Safety Conference
Conference Abbreviation	ARSC21
Conference Location	Melbourne, Australia
Conference Date	28-30 September 2021

Reference

Wundersitz LN (2021). Uncovering driver distraction and inattention in fatal and injury crashes. 2021 Australasian Road Safety Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 28-30 September 2021.