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 | |
|---|---|
State Laws Digest on Illegal School Bus PassingThis report summarizes the Nation’s laws in States and Territories covering a driver’s duties when passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading students. The behavior typically involves stopping for the school bus if it displays flashing red lights and its stop-arm. Illegal passings of stopped school buses loading and unloading students are frequent and can lead to serious pedestrian-involved crashes resulting in injury or death. As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress directed NHTSA to review illegal passing laws in each State related to school buses. |
DOT HS 813 603 |
Novice Teen Driver Education Data Collection GuideThis Novice Teen Driver Education Data Collection Guide will help State driver education program administrators collect relevant and accurate data, the key to measuring program performance, providing insight to foster program improvement, create goals, and heighten support. |
DOT HS 813 612 |
A Framework for Assessing Pedestrian Exposure Using GPS and Accelerometer Walking Data - ReportThis report examined pedestrian exposure metrics used in past studies; the study team then used data collected from electronic devices from two previous longitudinal studies on walking in the Seattle, Washington, area. This study provides a framework quantifying pedestrian exposure that can be used by other transportation municipalities to capture pedestrian exposure. |
DOT HS 813 583 |
Material Flammability Test Procedure Development SupportThis report evaluates repeatability of material flammability assessment of different materials, including layered materials, using the Southwest Research Institute’s microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) test method and associated performance criteria. The research compares FMVSS No. 302 and MCC data for 24 motor vehicle interior materials. The report assesses how sample variability affects MCC test repeatability. Additionally, the mass loss calorimeter test method was used to measure the maximum average rate of heat emission of materials used in motor vehicles. |
DOT HS 813 548 |
Driver Education and Training Promising Practices: A Systemic Literature ReviewThe Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards (NTDETAS) reflect current and recommended practice in driver education and are based on a foundation of expert opinion, experience, and consensus backed by available scientific evidence. This report identifies information gaps and key research questions related to standards and address them with recent evidence to enhance the veracity of what is included in the NTDETAS. The primary research questions identified three categories: the value of blended learning, the use of deliberate practice, and the application of technological approaches to driver education. These were addressed by a systematic literature of driver education. One critical issue is the upcoming generational transition from Gen Z to Gen Alpha (born 2010 to 2025). |
DOT HS 813 566 |
Countermeasures That Work: An Introductory Resource for Rural CommunitiesThis report is an introduction to behavioral traffic safety countermeasures for rural stakeholders who want to build capacity, form partnerships, and address problems in their communities, based on NHTSA’s 11th edition of Countermeasures That Work. This new report features select speed, alcohol-impaired driving, and occupant protection countermeasures relevant to rural communities. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of countermeasures for rural communities, or a list of expectations for what countermeasures should be implemented. |
DOT HS 813 597 |
Older Drivers’ Use of Rearview Video SystemsThis study explored backing performance of drivers 60 or older while using rearview video systems (RVSs, or backing cameras). Half the participants had experience using RVSs. Analyses showed that experienced and inexperienced participants tended to use the RVS when available, but experienced users directed a greater proportion of backing time looking toward the RVS display. In addition, experienced users backed more accurately using the systems than did inexperienced users. |
DOT HS 813 565 |
Best Practices of Successful State Impaired-Driving Task ForcesThis report details the methodology and results of a study to understand best practices of successful impaired-driving task forces in States. The study included a review of the literature, focusing on State-level reports, to understand the extent to which States convene impaired-driving task forces. Researchers then interviewed officials of nine task forces across NHTSA Regions to understand their context, operations, and best practices. The report discusses attributes of successful impaired-driving task forces including goals, charters, membership, leadership, meetings and attendance, agendas and subcommittees, strategic plan, actions and strategies, and measures of success. |
DOT HS 813 496 |
State of Knowledge on Older DriversThis report described a systematic literature review that summarizes, evaluates, and synthesizes research published since 1999 on the safety of older drivers. It describes the selected studies, produced results across studies, and weighs study quality of the best evidence to date. It can be a reference document for both in-house use and use by other Federal agencies, State Highway Safety Offices, and other partners. The report is also useful to officials involved in licensing decisions, healthcare practitioners who advise older patients about fitness-to-drive, and researchers in the field of aging and older-driver safety. |
DOT HS 813 535 |
Child Passenger Safety Perception and Practices in Ride-Sharing Vehicles - PowerPoint PresentationThis PowerPoint slide was created to explore a new method to get summary information across to a non-technical audience. The slide is intended to be used in presentations on child restraint use when giving an overview of the topic |
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