Traffic Safety Research

		This core business area is represented by a lengthy track record of projects successfully completed under the leadership of TransAnalytics staff members. First, U.S.DOT/Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contracts calling for a specialization in human factors in highway design and operations have included research syntheses and laboratory, simulator, and field studies.

		These projects have addressed the visibility and conspicuity of pavement markings and delineation; the legibility and comprehensibility of signing and signaling systems; geometric design requirements to meet drivers' needs for sight distance and perception-reaction time; and design and operational guidelines to accommodate age-related diminished capabilities.

TransAnalytics staff have also worked extensively on projects to promote the safety and mobility of older persons.

Work for the U.S.DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated intersection negotiation problems of older drivers; the identification and assessment of age-related functional impairments that compromise safe driving; and counseling and remediation activities to help older persons keep driving safely longer.

A recent project for NHTSA has developed recommendations for best practices in State DMV medical review programs. Other sponsors of work in this area include the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and multiple State DOTs.

		Research to monitor and evaluate driver distraction problems is an area of current involvement at TransAnalytics. Our staff developed and deployed an automated system for in-vehicle recording of driver behavior and traffic conditions as a partner in the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study of the nature and extent of sources of driver distraction, the most ambitious work in this area to date.

		To promote safer commercial vehicle operations, TransAnalytics staff have investigated the relationship between driver retention and safety for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Ongoing work sponsored by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) identifies best practices for training commercial drivers, as part of the Commercial Truck & Bus Safety Synthesis Program.