Research & Evaluation
Behavioral Research
Behaviors and Attitudes
NHTSA studies behaviors and attitudes in highway safety, focusing on drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. We identify and measure behaviors involved in crashes or associated with injuries, and develop and refine countermeasures to deter unsafe behaviors and promote safe alternatives.
Our recently published reports and research notes are listed chronologically below. To the right are additional resources including Traffic Techs.
Title | |
---|---|
search results table | |
Evaluation of State Ignition Interlock Programs:Interlock Use Analyses From 28 States, 2006–2011In 2010 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NHTSA joined to evaluate ignition interlock programs in selected States to provide information and best practices to States for ignition interlock programs. The project aimed to determine the following: how States can increase interlock use among DWI offenders who are required or eligible to install one; which changes in ignition interlock programs led to increases in ignition interlock use, identification of key features of ignition interlock programs, and which key program features were related to higher ignition interlock use rates. |
DOT HS 812 145 |
Comparative Study and Evaluation of SCRAM Use, Recidivism Rates, and CharacteristicsAlcohol monitoring devices -- usually ankle bracelet -- monitor and sample alcohol vapors on the skin. They are worn by people convicted of drunk driving and especially those who must maintain sobriety. One such type is called SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring), a commercially available device. The impact of SCRAM on the rate of repeat drinking and driving offenders was assessed for some offenders in Nebraska and Wisconsin. There were very few repeat offenses wearing the SCRAM devices, less than 2 percent. When their assignment period was over, offenders using SCRAM showed slightly higher percentages of recidivism than the control offenders, though the difference was not statistically significant. |
DOT HS 812 143 |
Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk |
DOT HS 812 117 |
Effectiveness of Child Passenger Safety Information for the Safe Transportation of Children |
DOT HS 812 121 |
Results of the 2013–2014 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by DriversIn 2013–2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted the most recent National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers. This voluntary and anonymous study is the second to collect data on drug use, presenting our first opportunity to examine drug use trends on a national scale. The 2013– 2014 NRS was designed to produce national estimates of alcohol and drug use by weekday daytime and weekend nighttime drivers. |
DOT HS 812 118 |
Evaluation of Washington State Target Zero Teams ProjectAs part of its "Target Zero" strategic highway safety plan that has the goal to reduce traffic fatalities in Washington to zero by the year 2030, the State of Washington established three detachments of Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers to focus on nighttime impaired-driving offenses. |
DOT HS 812 097 |
Evaluation of the NHTSA Distracted Driving High-Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Projects in California and DelawareIt was concluded that high-visibility enforcement can be implemented over widespread, multi-jurisdictional areas and may reduce the number of people who use handheld cell phones while driving. |
DOT HS 812 108 |
Process Overview of the High-Visibility Enforcement Programs Targeting Handheld Device Users in California and DelawareThe information in this process report includes: (1) how to plan and implement a regional/statewide HVE program that targets phone use while driving; (2) distracted driving enforcement practices; and (3) lessons learned from the California and Delaware distracted driving demonstration programs. |
DOT HS 812 109 |
Understanding the Limitations of Drug Test Information, Reporting, and Testing Practices in Fatal Crashes |
DOT HS 812 072 |
Evaluation of a High-Visibility Enforcement Seat Belt Program on the Blue Ridge ParkwayThe National Park Service implemented a high-visibility seat belt enforcement program on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), involving low-cost media and strong enforcement partnerships, activity associated with significant increases in observed seat belt use on the BRP. |
DOT HS 812 085 |