On-Board Truck Computers and Accident Risk

Abstract

On-board trip computers facilitate record-keeping in trucks, but some models permit drivers to enter data manually while driving. Three approaches were taken to investigate the potential risk associated with such devices. A review of studies involving other in-vehicle devices revealed that drivers can safely time-share visual attention between the road and a display. An experiment conducted in a controlled driving environment found that head and eye movements while using an on-board truck computer were similar to those for common devices and activities such as operating a radio or checking the odometer. Analysis of accident reports from North Carolina and the Fatal Accident Reporting System showed that in-vehicle devices were only rarely cited as distracters in accidents. Based on these findings and on the safety benefits provided by truck computers, it is expected that these will have a net positive impact on truck fleet safety.