Naturalistic driving studies : the effectiveness of the methodology in monitoring driver behaviour

Abstract

Naturalistic Driving Studies (NDS) is a research methodology that has the potential to improve existing approaches for collecting data about driver behaviour and performance in normal driving conditions. Analysis of naturalistic driving data in normal driving conditions provides a possibility of big data sets that can be used to understand the characteristics that lead to vehicle crashes and/or near crashes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NDS to improve driver behaviour and adherence to road rules. Making use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as a theoretical framework, the study managed to illicit responses from both drivers and management, in companies where the technology is used, to show that NDS provides the company and drivers with information that can improve driving ability. Overall, the results provide a clear indication that by making use of the data generated through use of NDS, it is possible to identify risky driver behaviour, which can inform the design and implementation of driver improvement projects.