Driver Distraction and Inattention and their Role in Crashes and Safety-Critical Events

Driver distraction and inattention are important contributing factors in crashes and critical incidents. In this chapter we discuss the findings of studies that examine the role of inattention and distraction in crashes and safety-critical events. Our aim is to highlight the range of definitions and activities used for inattention and distraction, provide an estimate of the role of inattention and distraction as contributing factors in crashes and safety-critical events and to identify situations in which inattention and distraction appear to be more likely.