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(1 - 16 of 16)
- Title
- FATAL CRASHES CAUSED BY LIGHT TRUCKS RELATIVE TO CARS: A TEST OF THE OFFSETTING BEHAVIOR HYPOTHESIS.
- Creator
-
Zubritsky, Adam, Caputo, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This thesis presents an econometric test of the offsetting behavior hypothesis concerning drivers of light trucks relative to cars. The main objective is to determine whether drivers of light trucks offset perceived safety benefits associated with larger vehicles by driving more aggressively than drivers of cars, subsequently causing more fatal crashes, holding all else constant. An empirical model using data on pedestrian fatalities across the United States over a five-year period is...
Show moreThis thesis presents an econometric test of the offsetting behavior hypothesis concerning drivers of light trucks relative to cars. The main objective is to determine whether drivers of light trucks offset perceived safety benefits associated with larger vehicles by driving more aggressively than drivers of cars, subsequently causing more fatal crashes, holding all else constant. An empirical model using data on pedestrian fatalities across the United States over a five-year period is developed and analyzed in order to capture the desired results. Estimates provide substantial evidence in support of the offsetting behavior hypothesis. To strengthen the case for driver offsetting behavior beyond previous studies, the model is estimated again using pedalcyclist fatalities. The results also point to interesting conclusions regarding the effects of increased speed limits on the behavior of drivers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000579, ucf:46469
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000579
- Title
- Analysis of Driver Behavior Modeling in Connected Vehicle Safety Systems Through High Fidelity Simulation.
- Creator
-
Jamialahmadi, Ahmad, Pourmohammadi Fallah, Yaser, Rahnavard, Nazanin, Chatterjee, Mainak, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A critical aspect of connected vehicle safety analysis is understanding the impact of human behavior on the overall performance of the safety system. Given the variation in human driving behavior and the expectancy for high levels of performance, it is crucial for these systems to be flexible to various driving characteristics. However, design, testing, and evaluation of these active safety systems remain a challenging task, exacerbated by the lack of behavioral data and practical test...
Show moreA critical aspect of connected vehicle safety analysis is understanding the impact of human behavior on the overall performance of the safety system. Given the variation in human driving behavior and the expectancy for high levels of performance, it is crucial for these systems to be flexible to various driving characteristics. However, design, testing, and evaluation of these active safety systems remain a challenging task, exacerbated by the lack of behavioral data and practical test platforms. Additionally, the need for the operation of these systems in critical and dangerous situations makes the burden of their evaluation very costly and time-consuming. As an alternative option, researchers attempt to use simulation platforms to study and evaluate their algorithms. In this work, we introduce a high fidelity simulation platform, designed for a hybrid transportation system involving both human-driven and automated vehicles. We decompose the human driving task and offer a modular approach in simulating a large-scale traffic scenario, making it feasible for extensive studying of automated and active safety systems. Furthermore, we propose a human-interpretable driver model represented as a closed-loop feedback controller. For this model, we analyze a large driving dataset to extract expressive parameters that would best describe different driving characteristics. Finally, we recreate a similarly dense traffic scenario within our simulator and conduct a thorough analysis of different human-specific and system-specific factors and study their effect on the performance and safety of the traffic network.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007573, ucf:52578
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007573
- Title
- DRIVER-GAS TAILORING FOR TEST-TIME EXTENSION USING UNCONVENTIONAL DRIVER MIXTURES.
- Creator
-
Amadio, Anthony, Petersen, Eric, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
To study combustion chemistry at low temperatures in a shock tube, it is of great importance to increase experimental test times, and this can be done by tailoring the interface between the driver and driven gases. Using unconventional driver-gas tailoring with the assistance of tailoring curves, shock-tube test times were increased from 1 to 15 ms for reflected-shock temperatures below 1000 K. Provided in this thesis is the introduction of tailoring curves, produced from a 1-D perfect gas...
Show moreTo study combustion chemistry at low temperatures in a shock tube, it is of great importance to increase experimental test times, and this can be done by tailoring the interface between the driver and driven gases. Using unconventional driver-gas tailoring with the assistance of tailoring curves, shock-tube test times were increased from 1 to 15 ms for reflected-shock temperatures below 1000 K. Provided in this thesis is the introduction of tailoring curves, produced from a 1-D perfect gas model for a wide range of driver gases and the production and demonstration of successful driver mixtures containing helium combined with either propane or carbon dioxide. The He/CO2 and He/C3H8 driver mixtures provide a unique way to produce a tailored interface and, hence, longer test times, when facility modification is not an option. The tailoring curves can be used to guide future applications of this technique to other configurations. Nonreacting validation experiments using driver mixtures identified from the tailoring curves were performed over a range of reflected-shock temperatures from approximately 800 to 1400 K, and some examples of ignition-time experiments that could not have otherwise been performed are presented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001318, ucf:47027
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001318
- Title
- HYSTERESIS EFFECTS IN DRIVING.
- Creator
-
Morgan, Justin, Hancock, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This dissertation presents two studies examining the interaction between workload history and driver mental workload. The first experiment focuses on testing for the presence of a hysteresis effect in the driving task. The second experiment examines the proposition that cueing impending periods of higher task demand can reduce the impact of any such potential hysteresis effects. Thirty-two licensed drivers served as participants and all served in both studies. Using the directions provided by...
Show moreThis dissertation presents two studies examining the interaction between workload history and driver mental workload. The first experiment focuses on testing for the presence of a hysteresis effect in the driving task. The second experiment examines the proposition that cueing impending periods of higher task demand can reduce the impact of any such potential hysteresis effects. Thirty-two licensed drivers served as participants and all served in both studies. Using the directions provided by a Heads-Up-Display navigation system, participants followed a pre-set route in the simulated environment. At specified points within the drive, the navigation system would purposefully fail which required drivers to relay a ten digit alphanumeric error code to a remote operator in order to reset the system. Results indicated that this increase in task demand from the navigation system's failure leads to a significant increase in perceived mental workload as compared to pre-failure periods. This increase in driver mental workload was not significantly reduced by the time the drive ended, indicating the presence of a hysteresis effect. In the second experiment, the navigation system provided a completely reliable visual warning before failure. Results indicate that cueing had neither an effect on perceived mental workload, nor any ameliorating effect on the hysteretic type effect seen in mental workload recovery. The conclusion of these findings being that the overall safety and efficiency of the surface transportation system would likely improve by designs which accommodate the periods immediately following a reduction in stress. Whether from leaving high demand areas such as work zones or in the period immediately after using a in-car information device such as a GPS or a cell phone, these post-high workload periods are associated with increased variability in driver inputs and levels of mental workload.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002169, ucf:47925
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002169
- Title
- The effectiveness of Child Restraint and Bicycle Helmet Policies to Improve Road Safety.
- Creator
-
Bustamante, Claudia, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Eluru, Naveen, Lee, JaeYoung, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Analyzing the effect of legislation in children's safety when they travel as motor-vehicle passengers and bicycle riders can allow us to evaluate the effectiveness in transportation policies. The Child Restraint Laws (CRL) and Bicycle Helmet Laws (BHL) were studied by analyzing the nationwide Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to estimate the fatality reduction as well as drivers' decisions to use Child Restraint Systems (CRS) and bicycle helmets respectively. Differences in...
Show moreAnalyzing the effect of legislation in children's safety when they travel as motor-vehicle passengers and bicycle riders can allow us to evaluate the effectiveness in transportation policies. The Child Restraint Laws (CRL) and Bicycle Helmet Laws (BHL) were studied by analyzing the nationwide Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to estimate the fatality reduction as well as drivers' decisions to use Child Restraint Systems (CRS) and bicycle helmets respectively. Differences in legislation could have different effects on traffic fatalities. Therefore, this study presents multiple methodologies to study these effects. In the evaluation of traffic safety issues, several proven statistical models have shown to be effective at estimating risky factors that might influence crash prevention. These proven models and predictive data analysis guided the process to attempt different models, leading to the development of three specific models used in this study to best estimate the effectiveness of these laws. Then, it was found that legislation in Child Safety Policy has consequences in traffic fatalities. A negative binomial model was created to analyze the CRL influence at the state-level in fatal crashes involving children, and showed that legislating on CRS can reduce the number of fatalities by 29% for children aged 5 to 9. Additionally, at the drivers-level a logistic regression model with random effects was used to determine the significant variables that influence the driver's decision to restrain his/her child. Such variables include: driver's restraint use, road classification, weather condition, number of occupants in the vehicle, traffic violations and driver's and child's age. It was also shown that drivers from communities with deprived socio-economic status are less likely to use CRS. In the same way, a binary logistic regression model was developed to evaluate the effect of BHL in bicycle helmet-use. Findings from this model show that bicyclists from states with the BHL are 236 times more likely to wear a helmet compared to those from states without the BHL. Moreover, the bicyclist's age, gender, education, and income level also influences bicycle helmet use. Both studies suggest that enacting CRL and BHL at the state-level for the studied age groups can be combined with education, safety promotion, enforcement, and program evaluation as proven countermeasures to increase children's traffic safety. This study evidenced that there is a lack of research in this field, especially when policy making requires having enough evidence to support the laws in order to not become an arbitrary legislation procedure affecting child's protection in the transportation system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006571, ucf:51315
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006571
- Title
- Permanent counter-revolution: The role of the Trotzkyites in the Minneapolis strikes.
- Creator
-
Dunne, William F., Childs, Morris
- Date Issued
- 1934
- Identifier
- 363353, CFDT363353, ucf:5297
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/363353
- Title
- DEINDIVIDUATION OF DRIVERS: IS EVERYONE ELSE A BAD DRIVER?.
- Creator
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MacArthur, Keith, Hancock, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Deindividuation is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a given environment reduces the "individuality" or identifiability of a person. These environments may cause a psychological reduction in self-consciousness, potentially leading to violations of sociocultural norms (Festinger, Pepitone, & Newcomb, 1952; Singer, Brush, & Lublin, 1965). The present research sought to empirically test deindividuation theory among automobile drivers utilizing the anonymizing factor of observation....
Show moreDeindividuation is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a given environment reduces the "individuality" or identifiability of a person. These environments may cause a psychological reduction in self-consciousness, potentially leading to violations of sociocultural norms (Festinger, Pepitone, & Newcomb, 1952; Singer, Brush, & Lublin, 1965). The present research sought to empirically test deindividuation theory among automobile drivers utilizing the anonymizing factor of observation. Participants (N = 31) used a driving simulator and were either in the observed condition or an unobserved condition. Analysis of driving data did not reveal significant results, however self-report data had some interesting trends. Though limited in scope, this research begins to shed light on deindividuation of drivers and may provide a foundation for future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004644, ucf:45325
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004644
- Title
- THE PLIGHT OF BEING UNRECOGNIZED IN THE UNITED STATES: SHOULD UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS BE LICENSED TO DRIVE IN FLORIDA?.
- Creator
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Wilford, Jennifer, Cook, Kathy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The United States of America is facing an important decision. Should illegal immigrants be allowed to obtain driver's licenses? Thus far ten states and the District of Columbia as well as Puerto Rico have passed laws permitting this to come into fruition. The purpose of this thesis is to gain an understanding of the significance that licensing laws have on this country. This thesis will compare the views and beliefs of both the proponents and opponents to this law. This thesis also discusses...
Show moreThe United States of America is facing an important decision. Should illegal immigrants be allowed to obtain driver's licenses? Thus far ten states and the District of Columbia as well as Puerto Rico have passed laws permitting this to come into fruition. The purpose of this thesis is to gain an understanding of the significance that licensing laws have on this country. This thesis will compare the views and beliefs of both the proponents and opponents to this law. This thesis also discusses how Florida is deeply affected due to its large Hispanic immigrant population. This issue is laden with passion and emotion due to the desire of many to see this group of people that are currently undocumented, have the ability to lead a more normal life and conversely the fear that allowing licenses will give undocumented aliens privileges of citizens and encourage illegal immigration. The views on these laws are divided throughout the nation. The lawfulness is examined in reference to rewarding and promoting illegal immigration and the cumulative negative effects that this can have on this country. The driver's license requirements were analyzed for each individual state. News articles were researched and used to enrich the pros and cons on this topic. This research was then used to give a recommendation for Florida law.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004759, ucf:45377
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004759
- Title
- A NEW APPROACH TO IDENTIFY THE EXPECTED CRASH PATTERNS BASED ON SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION SIZE AND ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS.
- Creator
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Salkapuram, Hari, Mohamed, Abdel-Aty, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Analysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from...
Show moreAnalysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from six jurisdictions in Florida, namely, Brevard, Seminole, Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough Counties and the City of Orlando. Using these data a simple methodology has been developed to identify the expected number of crashes by type and severity at signalized intersections. Intersection size, based on the total number of lanes, was used as a factor that was simple to identify and a representative of many geometric and traffic characteristics of an intersection. The results from the analysis showed that crash frequency generally increased with the increased size of intersections but the rates of increase differed for different intersection types (i.e., Four-legged intersection with both streets two-way, Four-legged intersection with at least one street one-way, and T-intersections). The results also showed that the dominant type of crashes differed at these intersection types and severity of crashes was higher at the intersections with more conflict points and larger differential in speed limits between major and minor roads. The analysis may potentially be useful for traffic engineers for evaluating safety at signalized intersections in a simple and efficient manner. The findings in this analysis provide strong evidence that the patterns of crashes by type and severity vary with the size and type of intersections. Thus, in future analysis of crashes at intersections, the size and type of intersections should be considered to account for the effects of intersection characteristics on crash frequency. In the second phase, data (crash and intersection characteristics) obtained from individual jurisdictions are linked to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) database to include characteristics of the at-fault drivers involved in crashes. These crashes are analyzed using contingency tables and binary logistic regression models. This study categorizes crashes into three major types based on relative initial movement direction of the involved vehicles. These crash types are, 1) Initial movement in same direction (IMSD) crashes. This crash type includes rear end and sideswipe crashes because the involved vehicles for these crashes would be traveling in the same direction prior to the crash. 2) Initial movement in opposite direction (IMOD) crashes comprising left-turn and head on crashes. 3) Initial movement in perpendicular direction (IMPD) crashes, which include angle and right-turn crashes. Vehicles involved in these crashes would be traveling on different roadways that constitute the intersection. Using the crash, intersection, and at-fault driver characteristics for all crashes as inputs, three logistic regression models are developed. In the logistic regression analyses total number of through lanes at an intersection is used as a surrogate measure to AADT per lane and also intersection type is introduced as a 'predictor' of crash type. The binary logistic regression analyses indicated, among other results, that at intersections with one-way roads, adverse weather conditions, older drivers and/or female drivers increase the likelihood of being at-fault at IMOD crashes. Similar factors associated with other groups of crashes (i.e., IMSD and IMPD) are also identified. These findings from the study may be used to develop specialized training programs by zooming in onto problematic intersections/maneuvers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001208, ucf:46954
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001208
- Title
- FORMALIZATION OF INPUT AND OUTPUT IN MODERN OPERATING SYSTEMS: THE HADLEY MODEL.
- Creator
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Gerber, Matthew, Leeson, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
We present the Hadley model, a formal descriptive model of input and output for modern computer operating systems. Our model is intentionally inspired by the Open Systems Interconnection model of networking; I/O as a process is defined as a set of translations between a set of computer-sensible forms, or layers, of information. To illustrate an initial application domain, we discuss the utility of the Hadley model and a potential associated I/O system as a tool for digital forensic...
Show moreWe present the Hadley model, a formal descriptive model of input and output for modern computer operating systems. Our model is intentionally inspired by the Open Systems Interconnection model of networking; I/O as a process is defined as a set of translations between a set of computer-sensible forms, or layers, of information. To illustrate an initial application domain, we discuss the utility of the Hadley model and a potential associated I/O system as a tool for digital forensic investigators. To illustrate practical uses of the Hadley model we present the Hadley Specification Language, an essentially functional language designed to allow the translations that comprise I/O to be written in a concise format allowing for relatively easy verifiability. To further illustrate the utility of the language we present a read/write Microsoft DOS FAT12 and read-only Linux ext2 file system specification written in the new format. We prove the correctness of the read-only side of these descriptions. We present test results from operation of our HSL-driven system both in user mode on stored disk images and as part of a Linux kernel module allowing file systems to be read. We conclude by discussing future directions for the research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000392, ucf:46339
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000392
- Title
- MOTORCYCLE CONSPICUITY: THE EFFECTS OF AGE AND VEHICULAR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS.
- Creator
-
Torrez, Lorenzo, Smither, Janan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Research has shown that riding a motorcycle can potentially be much more dangerous than operating a conventional vehicle. There are factors inherent in driving or riding a small two wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, moped or even bicycle that can potentially decrease their ability to be seen or noticed by other drivers. This disadvantage is reflected in the disproportionate over-representation of injuries and/or fatalities incurred by this particular driving group. This creates a...
Show moreResearch has shown that riding a motorcycle can potentially be much more dangerous than operating a conventional vehicle. There are factors inherent in driving or riding a small two wheeled vehicle, such as a motorcycle, moped or even bicycle that can potentially decrease their ability to be seen or noticed by other drivers. This disadvantage is reflected in the disproportionate over-representation of injuries and/or fatalities incurred by this particular driving group. This creates a significant problem which deserves dedicated evaluation as to causative factors and/or influential variables. The following research was conducted with intentions to investigate the topic of motorcycle conspicuity so as to further explain the variables which positively contribute to a motorcycle being seen and to supplement the body of knowledge that currently exists on this topic. This study specifically evaluated the influence of sex, age, motorcycle lighting conditions, and vehicular daytime running lights upon one's ability to effectively detect a motorcycle within a "high fidelity" simulated environment. This research additionally sought to examine the feasibility and validity of using a novel fixed base "high fidelity" simulator for the evaluation of motorcycle conspicuity. The results from this research clearly indicate a link between vehicular DRLs and the effective detection of motorcycles and also support previous research as to the effectiveness of motorcycle DRLs. Additionally, these results suggest that as one ages, certain degradations in vision, cognition, and physiology occur which decrease one's performance in detecting and responding to a motorcycle. These findings additionally provide support for the use of a "high definition" fixed base simulator as a valid technology for the evaluation of motorcycle conspicuity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002016, ucf:47614
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002016
- Title
- SEVERITY ANALYSIS OF DRIVER CRASH INVOLVEMENTS ON MULTILANE HIGH SPEED ARTERIAL CORRIDORS.
- Creator
-
Nevarez-Pagan, Alexis, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Arterial roads constitute the majority of the centerline miles of the Florida State Highway System. Severe injury involvements on these roads account for a quarter of the total severe injuries reported statewide. This research focuses on driver injury severity analysis of statewide multilane high speed arterials using crash data for the years 2002 to 2004. The first goal is to test different ways of analyzing crash data (by road entity and crash types) and find the best method of driver...
Show moreArterial roads constitute the majority of the centerline miles of the Florida State Highway System. Severe injury involvements on these roads account for a quarter of the total severe injuries reported statewide. This research focuses on driver injury severity analysis of statewide multilane high speed arterials using crash data for the years 2002 to 2004. The first goal is to test different ways of analyzing crash data (by road entity and crash types) and find the best method of driver injury severity analysis. A second goal is to find driver, vehicle, road and environment related factors that contribute to severe involvements on multilane arterials. Exploratory analysis using one year of crash data (2004) using binary logit regression was used to measure the risk of driver severe injury given that a crash occurs. A preliminary list of significant factors was obtained. A massive data preparation effort was undertaken and a random sample of multivehicle crashes was selected for final analysis. The final injury severity analysis consisted of six road entity models and twenty crash type models. The data preparation and sampling was successful in allowing a robust dataset. The overall model was a good candidate for the analysis of driver injury severity on multilane high speed roads. Driver injury severity resulting from angle and left turn crashes were best modeled by separate non-signalized intersection crash analysis. Injury severity from rear end and fixed object crashes was best modeled by combined analysis of pure segment and non-signalized intersection crashes. The most important contributing factors found in the overall analysis included driver related variables such as age, gender, seat belt use, at-fault driver, physical defects and speeding. Crash and vehicle related contributing factors included driver ejection, collision type (harmful event), contributing cause, type of vehicle and off roadway crash. Multivehicle crashes and interactions with intersection and off road crashes were also significant. The most significant roadway related variables included speed limit, ADT per lane, access class, lane width, roadway curve, sidewalk width, non-high mast lighting density, type of friction course and skid resistance. The overall model had a very good fit but some misspecification symptoms appeared due to major differences in road entities and crash types by land use. Two additional models of crashes for urban and rural areas were successfully developed. The land use models' goodness of fit was substantially better than any other combination by road entity or the overall model. Their coefficients were substantially robust and their values agreed with scientific or empirical principles. Additional research is needed to prove these results for crash type models found most reliable by this investigation. A framework for injury severity analysis and safety improvement guidelines based on the results is presented. Additional integration of road characteristics (especially intersection) data is recommended for future research. Also, the use of statistical methods that account for correlation among crashes and locations are suggested for use in future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002080, ucf:47591
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002080
- Title
- Working Memory Capacity and Executive Attention as Predictors of Distracted Driving.
- Creator
-
Louie, Jennifer, Mouloua, Mustapha, Szalma, James, Smither, Janan, Matthews, Gerald, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The present study empirically examined the effects of working memory capacity (WMC) and executive attention on distracted driving. Study 1 examined whether a Grocery List Task (GLT) distractor would load onto WMC. Forty-three participants completed a series of WMC tasks followed by the GLT. They then completed two driving trials: driving without the GLT and driving while completing the GLT. It was hypothesized that WMC would positively correlate with GLT performance. A bivariate correlation...
Show moreThe present study empirically examined the effects of working memory capacity (WMC) and executive attention on distracted driving. Study 1 examined whether a Grocery List Task (GLT) distractor would load onto WMC. Forty-three participants completed a series of WMC tasks followed by the GLT. They then completed two driving trials: driving without the GLT and driving while completing the GLT. It was hypothesized that WMC would positively correlate with GLT performance. A bivariate correlation indicated that WMC was positively associated with performance on the GLT. Study 2 tested a series of distractor tasks (GLT, Tone Monitoring, and Stop Signal) to examine whether these three distractor tasks were also related to WMC, and if each of the distractor tasks would result in poor driving performance. Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to the distractor conditions. Results indicated that GLT was related to WMC, but Tone Monitoring was not related to WMC. Also, engaging in each of the three distractor tasks led to significantly poorer driving performance. Study 3 evaluated whether rainy or clear weather conditions would affect the relationship between WMC and distracted driving using the same three distractor tasks (GLT, Tone Monitoring, and Stop Signal) as used in Study 2. Ninety-six participants were randomly assigned to the distractor conditions. Results showed that engaging in GLT while driving led to slower braking response times compared to not engaging in GLT driving while driving. Furthermore, WMC moderated the degree to which distraction impaired performance. The present findings clearly indicate that all three distractor tasks had a deleterious effect on driving performance. Furthermore, this effect of distraction on driving depends on many factors, including the type of distraction, the driving performance measure, and the individual's cognitive capabilities. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed and directions for future research are presented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007042, ucf:51981
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007042
- Title
- IMPROVING TRAFFIC SAFETY AND DRIVERS' BEHAVIOR IN REDUCED VISIBILITY CONDITIONS.
- Creator
-
Hassan, Hany, Abde-Aty, Mohamed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study is concerned with the safety risk of reduced visibility on roadways. Inclement weather events such as fog/smoke (FS), heavy rain (HR), high winds, etc, do affect every road by impacting pavement conditions, vehicle performance, visibility distance, and drivers' behavior. Moreover, they affect travel demand, traffic safety, and traffic flow characteristics. Visibility in particular is critical to the task of driving and reduction in visibility due FS or other weather events such as...
Show moreThis study is concerned with the safety risk of reduced visibility on roadways. Inclement weather events such as fog/smoke (FS), heavy rain (HR), high winds, etc, do affect every road by impacting pavement conditions, vehicle performance, visibility distance, and drivers' behavior. Moreover, they affect travel demand, traffic safety, and traffic flow characteristics. Visibility in particular is critical to the task of driving and reduction in visibility due FS or other weather events such as HR is a major factor that affects safety and proper traffic operation. A real-time measurement of visibility and understanding drivers' responses, when the visibility falls below certain acceptable level, may be helpful in reducing the chances of visibility-related crashes. In this regard, one way to improve safety under reduced visibility conditions (i.e., reduce the risk of visibility related crashes) is to improve drivers' behavior under such adverse weather conditions. Therefore, one of objectives of this research was to investigate the factors affecting drivers' stated behavior in adverse visibility conditions, and examine whether drivers rely on and follow advisory or warning messages displayed on portable changeable message signs (CMS) and/or variable speed limit (VSL) signs in different visibility, traffic conditions, and on two types of roadways; freeways and two-lane roads. The data used for the analyses were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire survey carried out among 566 drivers in Central Florida, USA. Several categorical data analysis techniques such as conditional distribution, odds' ratio, and Chi-Square tests were applied. In addition, two modeling approaches; bivariate and multivariate probit models were estimated. The results revealed that gender, age, road type, visibility condition, and familiarity with VSL signs were the significant factors affecting the likelihood of reducing speed following CMS/VSL instructions in reduced visibility conditions. Other objectives of this survey study were to determine the content of messages that would achieve the best perceived safety and drivers' compliance and to examine the best way to improve safety during these adverse visibility conditions. The results indicated that "Caution-fog ahead-reduce speed" was the best message and using CMS and VSL signs together was the best way to improve safety during such inclement weather situations. In addition, this research aimed to thoroughly examine drivers' responses under low visibility conditions and quantify the impacts and values of various factors found to be related to drivers' compliance and drivers' satisfaction with VSL and CMS instructions in different visibility and traffic conditions. To achieve these goals, Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approaches were adopted. The results revealed that drivers' satisfaction with VSL/CMS was the most significant factor that positively affected drivers' compliance with advice or warning messages displayed on VSL/CMS signs under different fog conditions followed by driver factors. Moreover, it was found that roadway type affected drivers' compliance to VSL instructions under medium and heavy fog conditions. Furthermore, drivers' familiarity with VSL signs and driver factors were the significant factors affecting drivers' satisfaction with VSL/CMS advice under reduced visibility conditions. Based on the findings of the survey-based study, several recommendations are suggested as guidelines to improve drivers' behavior in such reduced visibility conditions by enhancing drivers' compliance with VSL/CMS instructions. Underground loop detectors (LDs) are the most common freeway traffic surveillance technologies used for various intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications such as travel time estimation and crash detection. Recently, the emphasis in freeway management has been shifting towards using LDs data to develop real-time crash-risk assessment models. Numerous studies have established statistical links between freeway crash risk and traffic flow characteristics. However, there is a lack of good understanding of the relationship between traffic flow variables (i.e. speed, volume and occupancy) and crashes that occur under reduced visibility (VR crashes). Thus, another objective of this research was to explore the occurrence of reduced visibility related (VR) crashes on freeways using real-time traffic surveillance data collected from loop detectors (LDs) and radar sensors. In addition, it examines the difference between VR crashes to those occurring at clear visibility conditions (CV crashes). To achieve these objectives, Random Forests (RF) and matched case-control logistic regression model were estimated. The results indicated that traffic flow variables leading to VR crashes are slightly different from those variables leading to CV crashes. It was found that, higher occupancy observed about half a mile between the nearest upstream and downstream stations increases the risk for both VR and CV crashes. Moreover, an increase of the average speed observed on the same half a mile increases the probability of VR crash. On the other hand, high speed variation coupled with lower average speed observed on the same half a mile increase the likelihood of CV crashes. Moreover, two issues that have not explicitly been addressed in prior studies are; (1) the possibility of predicting VR crashes using traffic data collected from the Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) sensors installed on Expressways and (2) which traffic data is advantageous for predicting VR crashes; LDs or AVIs. Thus, this research attempts to examine the relationships between VR crash risk and real-time traffic data collected from LDs installed on two Freeways in Central Florida (I-4 and I-95) and from AVI sensors installed on two Expressways (SR 408 and SR 417). Also, it investigates which data is better for predicting VR crashes. The approach adopted here involves developing Bayesian matched case-control logistic regression using the historical VR crashes, LDs and AVI data. Regarding models estimated based on LDs data, the average speed observed at the nearest downstream station along with the coefficient of variation in speed observed at the nearest upstream station, all at 5-10 minute prior to the crash time, were found to have significant effect on VR crash risk. However, for the model developed based on AVI data, the coefficient of variation in speed observed at the crash segment, at 5-10 minute prior to the crash time, affected the likelihood of VR crash occurrence. Argument concerning which traffic data (LDs or AVI) is better for predicting VR crashes is also provided and discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003946, ucf:48693
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003946
- Title
- SIMULATION FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE THIRD PARTY TESTER TESTING.
- Creator
-
Truong, Henry, Lin, Kurt, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The advance of technology is thought to help ease the myriad tasks that are usually involved in operating equipment. Training and testing in modern times have been replacing with simulation technologies that mimic the actual live operations and testing. Many successful stories of flight simulation come from military fighter aircraft and commercial pilot programs. The possibilities of safety in saving lives, economic incentive in reducing the operational cost and reducing the carbon footprint...
Show moreThe advance of technology is thought to help ease the myriad tasks that are usually involved in operating equipment. Training and testing in modern times have been replacing with simulation technologies that mimic the actual live operations and testing. Many successful stories of flight simulation come from military fighter aircraft and commercial pilot programs. The possibilities of safety in saving lives, economic incentive in reducing the operational cost and reducing the carbon footprint via simulation makes simulation worth looking into. These considerations quickly boosted the transfer from live training operations to virtual and simulation, as were easily adopted in the history of flight training and testing. Although, there has been a lack of application, the benefits of the computer based simulation as a modeling and simulation (M&S) tool can be applied to the commercial driver license (CDL) for the trucking industry. Nevertheless, this is an uphill battle to convince CDL administrators to integrate modern technology into the CDL program instead of using the traditional daily business of manual testing. This is because the cost of trucking industry live operations is still relatively affordable; individuals and companies are reluctant to adopt the use of the modeling and simulation driving or testing system. Fortunately, cost is not the only variable to consider for the training and testing administrators and their management. There is a need to expand the use of technology to support live operations. The safety of the student, trainer, and tester should be taken into account. The availability of training or testing scenarios is also an influencing factor. Ultimately, the most important factor is driving safety on the American road. The relationship of accidents with driver license fraud has led the Federal Department of Transportation to want to reduce fraud in third-party Commercial Driver License (CDL) administration. Although it is not a perfect solution that can fix all, the utilization of simulation technologies for driving assessment could be a solution to help reduce fraud if it is applied correctly. The Department of Transportation (DOT) authorized the statesÂÂ' independent authority to administrate the local CDL including the use of the Third-Party Tester (TPT). As a result, some criminal activities prompted the Federal investigation to recommend changes and to fund the states to take action to stay in compliance with the Federal regulation. This is the opportunity for the state CDL administrator to explore the use of M&S to support its mission. Recall, those arguments for the use of the M&S is the thought of safety in saving lives, economic incentive in reducing the operational cost, and reducing the carbon footprint via using simulation. This makes simulation a viable resource. This paper will report the research study of using the computer based testing modeling and simulation tools to replace or augment the current state examiner as means of assessing the CDL TPT proficiency in basic backing skills. This pilot study of this system has several aspects to address. The scenarios must be relevant to test the knowledge of the TPT by using closely comparable scenarios to the current manual testing method. The scenario-based simulation should incorporate randomness to provide a greater sense of reality. In addition, the reconfigurable built-in random behavior scenarios provide the administrator greater control of behaviors and allow the administrator to be able to select among the random scenarios. Finally, the paper will present the data sampling from relevant participants of the CDL TPT and methodology applied. The analysis of data presents in this research study will be valuable for the State and Federal CDL administrator to consider the pros and cons of applying or adding a computer based simulation to their current testing methodology.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003222, ucf:48577
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003222
- Title
- TEMPORARY BARRIERS REDUCE RUBBERNECKING AND EXTERNAL DISTRACTION ON ROADWAYS.
- Creator
-
Colon, Nicholas, Mouloua, Mustapha, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of the current study was to empirically examine the effects of accident scenes on eye movement as well as driving behavior. Fifty-four participants drove in a driving simulator wearing a head-mounted eye-tracker in three experimental drives, one of which had an accident scene. The participants were put into one of three different conditions (no barrier, partial barrier, or full barrier). The results showed significant main effects of distraction (accident vs. no accident) on dwell...
Show moreThe purpose of the current study was to empirically examine the effects of accident scenes on eye movement as well as driving behavior. Fifty-four participants drove in a driving simulator wearing a head-mounted eye-tracker in three experimental drives, one of which had an accident scene. The participants were put into one of three different conditions (no barrier, partial barrier, or full barrier). The results showed significant main effects of distraction (accident vs. no accident) on dwell frequency and duration, average speed, and root mean square error of the steering wheel angle during the drive with the accident scenes. In addition, the results also showed significant interaction effects between distraction and type of barrier (no, partial, or full) on dwell frequency and duration. The full barrier condition had the biggest effect on decreasing dwell duration and frequency. The findings support the Salience Effort Expectancy Value (SEEV) model of attention and previous research stating objects high in salience attract attention (Wickens & Horrey, 2008; Itti & Koch, 2000). These findings also support previous research by Mayer, Caird, Milloy, Percival, & Ohlhauser (2010) stating that drivers drive in the safest manner (lowest passing speed) when an emergency vehicles are present with the emergency lights on. Temporary barriers could be used to help decrease the effects of rubbernecking on highways when an accident scene is present (Masinick & Teng, 2004; Potts, Harwood, Hutton, & Kinzel, 2010)
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004331, ucf:45059
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004331
