Influence of Driver Distractions on the Likelihood of Rear-End, Angular, and Single-Vehicle Crashes in Missouri

Driver distraction has been associated with a higher likelihood of crash involvement. Crash data from the state of Missouri for the years 2001 to 2006 revealed that the highest number of distraction-related crash incidents occurred while drivers were using cell phones or other electronic devices or had passengers in the car. A multinomial logit model was used to predict the odds that a driver with a specific type of distraction would be involved in one of the most frequent crash types, rear-end, angular, or single-vehicle collision, in comparison with each other. Results showed that distractions could have varying influences on crash type. More specifically, passenger-related and cell phone distractions are more likely in angular crashes; for other electronic device-related distractions, the most probable type of crash is a single-vehicle crash. Inferences made in this study should be considered in light of the fact that the data were limited in the number of reported distractions and the study was conducted in only one state. Future research comparing similar distraction factors across other states and nationally may provide a broader view of the type and severity of crashes related to driver distractions.