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.
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Older Driver Performance Across Six Naturalistic StudiesThis study aggregated and analyzed naturalistic data from six NHTSA-sponsored studies to determine the extent older drivers’ scores on clinical measures were associated with ability to control their vehicles, including traffic control devices and maintaining proper lane position. Researchers also examined the association between the clinical measures and indices of driving exposure (total mileage and total driving time, exposure to high-speed and limited-access roadways, and other situations). Analyses of NHTSA on-road performance and naturalistic driving data explored whether participants with poorer driving skills were more likely to limit their overall driving (time or miles), avoid difficult conditions, or otherwise self-regulate. Researchers used the SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study, yielded findings suggesting significant differences in driver responses in crash and near-crash events tied to measures of both cognitive and physical function. |
DOT HS 813 181 |
Continuation of Research on Traffic Safety During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: January - June 2021, Research NoteAfter the declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency in March 2020, American driving patterns and behaviors changed significantly. Of drivers who remained on the roads, some engaged in riskier behavior -- speeding, failure to wear seat belts, driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Data showed average speeds increased 20 miles per hour or more, higher than the posted speed limit, and an estimated 11 percent increase in speeding-related fatalities. Other data suggested fewer people in crashes used their seat belts. Earlier research reports showed changes in the prevalence of alcohol and other drugs during the pandemic among seriously or fatally injured road users at different phases of the pandemic. |
DOT HS 813 210 |
Exploring the Relationship between Entry-Level Motorcycle Rider Training and Motorcycle CrashesResearch on entry-level motorcycle rider training has not supported the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of training and the relationship between entry-level motorcycle rider training and motorcyclist safety has not been thoroughly explored. This study explored the relationship between entry-level motorcyclist training and safety-related outcomes: (1) Do crash characteristics like collision type, contributing factors, etc., differ between trained and untrained riders? (2) Is there a difference in rider behavior (speed, impairment, or aggressive driving) between trained and untrained riders? (3) What types of citations were issued to trained and untrained riders operating motorcycles or passenger vehicles? (4) Do crash injury severity and type differ between trained and untrained riders? To address these questions, analysis of public records linking motorcyclists’ training to crash data, citation data, and hospital records was carried out using Maryland’s Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System. |
DOT HS 813 189 |
Activity Level, Performance, and Exposure Among Older DriversThis project explored the relationship between the fitness of older people – operationalized through multiple measures of physical activity level and cognitive status – and their driving performance and exposure. While higher physical activity levels generally were associated with better road test performance, in all cases relationships were very weak, accounting for less than 3% of the variance in the performance evaluations. |
DOT HS 812 734 |
Effectiveness of Dynamic Speed Feedback Signs, Volume I and IIThis two-volume report is a comprehensive, quantitative review of published research on the effectiveness of dynamic speed feedback signs (DSFSs) and presents evidence that DSFS can be effective in reducing mean speeds, 85th percentile speeds, and the percentage of drivers over the speed limit in a wide range of contexts. The clear majority of studies found significant reductions in speeds at the DSFS when the DSFS are activated across all types of vehicles and different installation locations. This publication, Volume II, presents the technical appendices and annotated bibliography. Volume I presents the literature review and meta-analysis. |
DOT HS 813 170-A, DOT HS 813 170-B |
Defining Contextual Variables Related to Seat Belt Use in Fatal CrashesThis report describes a study investigating some of the contextual and environmental characteristics of places that may influence seat belt use and, by implication, the lack of restraint in crash fatalities. In particular, on-premises businesses that sell alcohol for on-site consumption, off-premises businesses that sell alcohol for off-site consumption, and tourism locations were examined for potential relationships to the lack of restraint use in crash fatalities in the United States from 2012 to 2016. |
DOT HS 813 145 |
Impact Analysis of Bicycle Safety LawsBicycling is increasingly popular, economical, environmentally friendly, and has cardiovascular benefits. Many States have enacted bicycle traffic safety improvement laws such as safe passing, promote safer practices among bicyclists such as mandatory helmet use, or treat bicyclists as a separate class of road user, as with the Idaho Stop law. The Impact Analysis of Bicycle Safety Laws documented a study of six laws (safe passing, mandatory helmet use, bicycling under the influence, where-to-ride, sidewalk riding, and the Idaho stop) to determine if States and communities should create separate laws to govern bicyclists, and if bicyclist-specific traffic safety laws protect them from motor vehicle crash injuries and fatalities. |
DOT HS 813 123 |
National EMS Scope of Practice Model 2019: Including Change Notices 1.0 and 2.0The President’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness calls for immediate actions to support State and local efforts to enlist emergency medical services and firefighters to support vaccination efforts. The 2019 National EMS Scope of Practice Model Including Change Notices 1.0 and 2.0 adds intramuscular injection, vaccinations during a public health emergency, and nasal swab specimen collection to the scope of practice of EMS clinicians at the EMT and higher levels. |
DOT HS 813 151 |
A Primer for Evaluating Underage Drinking and Driving ProgramsThis primer is a practical “how-to” guide for practitioners and researchers interested in evaluating underage drinking and driving programs. It distills program evaluation and provide guidance specific to underage drinking and driving. Components address barriers to program evaluation; how to address challenges unique to developing and evaluating underage drinking and driving programs; key elements to look for when searching for effective interventions or programs; models and theories grounded in both public health and psychology that can serve as a guide for developing, implementing, and evaluating interventions and/or programs; evaluation standards from the CDC framework that can support a quality evaluation and assist when prioritizing and/or choosing from the multitude of options at each phase of program evaluation; and how to obtain Institutional Review Board approval. |
DOT HS 812 953 |
Update to Special Reports on Traffic Safety During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Fourth Quarter Data, Research Note, Traffic Safety FactsNHTSA is reviewing nationwide changes in traffic safety and observed behaviors caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. This research note includes data through the end of the 2020 calendar year, updating earlier preliminary reports. The research note includes changes in travel patterns, rates of crash severity, and the prevalence of drugs and alcohol among seriously and fatally injured road users at select trauma centers. |
DOT HS 813 135 |