Driver Safety & Performance

HFSL investigates factors contributing to crash risks on the roadway, including driver risk-taking, experience and skill, as well as human-systems interactions. The research team considers human capabilities and limitations while driving, including cognitive and psychomotor abilities and experience, and how those interact with road infrastructure. 

For methodology, driving simulation is a significant tool HFSL uses to explore these safety issues, with access to a realistic, immersive driving simulator as well as a portable simulator. The team caters research methods to each research question, often incorporating basic laboratory methods, as well as field observations and field testing, to deepen understanding of driver behavior. 

For specific research topics, we have historically focused on vulnerable road users such as older adults and teenagers, as well as specific driving environments, such as rural intersections and driving in snow (e.g., snowplow operations).

Morris, N. L., Schwieters, K. R., Tian, D., & Craig, C. M. (2024). Evaluation of driver navigational errors and acceptance of a simulated J-turn intersection. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 198, 107490.

Morris, N.L., Tian, D., Craig, C.M., & Libby, D.A. (2022). A Multistate Pilot Study Evaluating the Short-term Efficacy of a Smartphone-based Older Driver Support System on Modifying Risky Driving Behavior. Transportation Research Record, 2676, 207-216. 

Tian, D., Gerberich, S.G., Morris, N.L., Kim, H., Ryan, A.D., Erickson, D.J., & Easterlund, P. A. (2021). Design and evaluation of a rural intersection conflict warning system and alternative designs among various driver age groups. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 162, 106388. 

Morris, N., Craig, C., & Mirman, J. H. (2021). Tools for Transport: Driven to Learn With Connected Vehicles. Topics in Cognitive Science, 13, 708-727.

Peterson, C., Douma, F., & Morris, N. L. (2017). Addressing key concerns regarding automated speed enforcement via interactive survey. Transportation Research Record, 2660, 66-73.

Creaser, J. I., Edwards, C. J., Morris, N. L., & Donath, M. (2015). Are cellular phone blocking applications effective for novice teen drivers?. Journal of Safety Research, 54, 75-e29.