China Science

May 3, 2008

Using non-linear methods to investigate the criterion validity of traffic-psychological test batteries

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In several countries in Europe (among others Germany and Austria) persons who have lost their drivers licence have to undergo a psychological test in order to regain their licence. The article discusses the validity of two test batteries of the Expert System Traffic using standardized driving tests [Schuhfried, G., 2005. Manual Expert System Traffic (XPSV). Schuhfried GmbH, M?dling]. (more…)

Crash dieting: The effects of eating and drinking on driving performance

Previous research suggests that compared to mobile phone use, eating and drinking while driving is more common and is seen as lower risk by drivers. Nevertheless, snacking at the wheel can affect vehicle control to a similar extent as using a hands-free phone, and is actually a causal factor in more crashes. (more…)

Identification of vehicle components associated with severe thoracic injury in motor vehicle crashes:A CIREN and NASS analysis

IntroductionThoracic trauma secondary to motor vehicle crashes (MVC) continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Specific vehicle features may increase the risk of severe thoracic injury when striking the occupant. (more…)

Road crash involvement and professional status:A prospective study using the French Gazel cohort

ObjectivesTo assess professional status (PS) differences in the risk of road crash involvement (RCI) (irrespective of crash severity), and to examine the underlying mechanism by evaluating the role of exposure to road risk (ERR).MethodA total of 15,271 subjects selected from the French GAZEL cohort were studied. A proportional hazard model for recurrent events was used to calculate the relative risks (RR) of RCI associated with PS. (more…)

Crash compatibility between cars and light trucks: Benefits of lowering front-end energy-absorbing structure in SUVs and pickups

Passenger vehicles are designed to absorb crash energy in frontal crashes through deformation or crush of energy-absorbing structures forward of the occupant compartment. In collisions between cars and light trucks (i.e., pickups and SUVs), however, the capacity of energy-absorption structures may not be fully utilized because mismatches often exist between the heights of these structures in the colliding vehicles. (more…)

Estimated cost of crashes in commercial drivers supports screening and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep apnea among commercial drivers may increase the risk of fall-asleep crashes, which incur large expenses. Drivers of passenger cars whose apnea is treated experience lower crash risk. Among community-based holders of commercial driver’s licenses, we considered three methods for identifying sleep apnea syndrome: (1) in-lab polysomnography; (2) selective in-lab polysomnography for high-risk drivers, where high risk is first identified by body mass index, age and gender, (more…)

Error specific restrictions for older drivers:Promoting continued independence and public safety

ObjectivesTo describe a population of older drivers with driving restrictions, their most common restrictions, and to compare restricted drivers to their safe and unsafe counterparts. Safe drivers are those who do not commit hazardous errors or traffic violations. (more…)

Content analysis of 100 consecutive media reports of amusement ride accidents

Accident investigations influence public perceptions and safety management strategies by determining the amount and type of information learned about the accident. To examine the factors considered in investigations, this study used a content analysis of 100 consecutive media reports of amusement ride accidents from an online media archive. (more…)

Modeling left-turn crash occurrence at signalized intersections by conflicting patterns

In order to better understand the underlying crash mechanisms, left-turn crashes occurring at 197 four-legged signalized intersections over 6 years were classified into nine patterns based on vehicle maneuvers and then were assigned to intersection approaches. (more…)

Mobile telephones, distracted attention, and pedestrian safety

Driver distraction is a major cause of traffic accidents, with mobile telephones as a key source of distraction. In two studies, we examined distraction of pedestrians associated with mobile phone use. (more…)

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