The Building Blocks of Driver Distraction Policy

Communicating and translating science into policy takes time and patience. Moving empirical data and theoretical knowledge into the safety policy arena is an especially lively and complex process that is nearly always incremental. Distraction policy is generally made up of several building blocks that relate to regulation; standards; laws at the local, state, and federal levels; and enforcement. The ensuing safety policies should mitigate the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities related to poorly designed and implemented user interfaces that cause distraction. These policies will help balance the broader safety of all road users. © Copyright 2011 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.