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.

215 Results

Title
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BAC and Crash Responsibility of Injured Older Drivers: An Analysis of Trauma Center Data This study examined the distribution of blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) in injured drivers 65 and older and the relationship of older-driver BAC to driving record and crash responsibility.	DOT HS 812 062
Investigation of the Use and Feasibility of Speed Warning Systems This report summarizes a feasibility evaluation of a speed monitoring system that provided speed warning feedback to drivers enrolled in a voluntary program, with particular emphasis on at-risk drivers, especially chronic speeders.	DOT HS 811 996
Speed Management Program Plan The goal of this Speed Management Program Plan is to improve public health and safety by reducing speeding-related fatalities and injuries.	DOT HS 812 028
Ignition Interlock: An Investigation Into Rural Arizona Judges' Perceptions This study sought to answer several questions regarding 2007 Arizona legislation requiring ignition interlock for all offenders convicted of Driving-Under-the-Influence (DUI), including first time DUI offenders. At the time the law was passed, Arizona was only one of two States [New Mexico being the other] to require ignition interlock for first time offenders.	DOT HS 812 025
Young Drivers Report the Highest Level of Phone Involvement in Crash or Near-Crash Incidences	DOT HS 811 611
Four High-Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Waves in Connecticut and New York Reduce Hand-Held Phone Use	DOT HS 811 845
High Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Programs in Connecticut and New York Reduce Hand-Held Phone Use	DOT HS 811 376
Evaluation of NHTSA Distracted Driving Demonstration Projects in Connecticut and New York The communities of Hartford, Connecticut, and Syracuse, New York, implemented year-long campaigns to test whether NHTSA's high-visibility enforcement (HVE) model could be applied to reduce two specific forms of distracted driving – driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone or texting.	DOT HS 811 635
Breath Test Refusal Rates in the United States – 2011 Update Breath alcohol concentration (BAC) test refusals by suspect- ed impaired drivers are a challenge for impaired driving enforcement and prosecution. Periodically, NHTSA gathers data on State BAC refusal rates and develops an estimated national rate. This information can be useful to States and local jurisdictions. It enables them to track changes over time and compare their rates to other States and the Nation as a whole. NHTSA developed previous estimates for 1987, 2001, and 2005.	DOT HS 811 881
The Click It or Ticket Evaluation, 2012	DOT HS 811 989

Behaviors and Attitudes

BAC and Crash Responsibility of Injured Older Drivers: An Analysis of Trauma Center Data

Investigation of the Use and Feasibility of Speed Warning Systems

Speed Management Program Plan

Ignition Interlock: An Investigation Into Rural Arizona Judges' Perceptions

Young Drivers Report the Highest Level of Phone Involvement in Crash or Near-Crash Incidences

Four High-Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Waves in Connecticut and New York Reduce Hand-Held Phone Use

High Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Programs in Connecticut and New York Reduce Hand-Held Phone Use

Evaluation of NHTSA Distracted Driving Demonstration Projects in Connecticut and New York

Breath Test Refusal Rates in the United States – 2011 Update

The Click It or Ticket Evaluation, 2012