Traffic injury prevention
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This study investigated the prevalence of observable distractions while driving and the effect of drivers' characteristics and time-related variables on their prevalence. ⋯ This work provides further evidence of the relatively high rate of distracted driving in the UK. The findings clearly indicate that younger drivers are more likely to drive distracted, which probably contributes to their higher crash rates.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
The effects of cyclists present at rural intersections on speed behavior and workload of car drivers: a driving simulator study.
The objective was to gain insight into how the number of cyclists, the cyclist's approach direction, and the cyclist's action affect the speed and mental workload of drivers approaching rural intersections. In addition, the effects of a speed-reducing measure on the interaction between cyclists and motorized traffic were examined. ⋯ Although drivers have the right of way at rural intersections, drivers' speed behavior was affected by the number and action of cyclists. From a road safety point of view, driving speeds at rural intersections need to be further reduced to limit the seriousness of potential conflicts between cyclists and motorized traffic.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
Concussion, Diffuse Axonal Injury, and AIS4+ Head Injury in Motor Vehicle Crashes.
This is a descriptive study of the annual incidence of brain injuries in motor vehicle crashes by type, seat belt use, and crash severity (delta V) using national accident data. The risk for concussion, diffuse axonal injury (DAI), and severe head injury was determined. ⋯ Concussions occur in about one out of 61 occupants in tow-away crashes. The risk was highest in rollover crashes (4.73 ± 1.09%) and it was reduced 69.2% by seat belt use. Severe brain injuries occurred less often and the risk was also reduced by seat belt use.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
Effect of aging on brain injury prediction in rotational head trauma--a parameter study with a rat finite element model.
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of age-related intracranial changes on the potential outcome of diffuse axonal injuries and acute subdural hematoma under rotational head loading. ⋯ The findings presented in this study suggest that age-specific injury thresholds should be developed to enable the development of superior restraint systems for the elderly. The findings also motivate other further studies on age-dependency of head trauma.
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Traffic injury prevention · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialThe influence of drinking, texting, and eating on simulated driving performance.
Driving is a complex task and distractions such as using a mobile phone for the purpose of text messaging are known to have a significant impact on driving. Eating and drinking are common forms of distraction that have received less attention in relation to their impact on driving. The aim of this study was to further explore and compare the effects of a variety of distraction tasks (i.e., text messaging, eating, drinking) on simulated driving. ⋯ Distracting behaviors such as eating and texting while driving appear to negatively impact driving measures of lane position control and reaction time. These findings may have direct implications for motorists that engage in these types of distracting behaviors behind the wheel and for the safety of other road users.