International Symposium on Distracted Driving
The National Safety Council and Nationwide Insurance sponsored an International Symposium on Distracted
Driving (Oct. 14-15, 2008) where scientific studies on the issue were reviewed to gain a better understanding
of the scope of distracted driving and determine possible solutions to the problem, including education,
legislation, company policies and technology. The following Symposium topics and presentations were shared:
Opening Session
Opening Remarks
David Teater, Co-Founder and Director, Aegis Mobility, Inc.
Understanding the Science of Distracted Driving
A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Cell Phones on Driving Performance: Implications for Policy and Legislation
Dr. Jeff Caird, Professor of Psychology, University of Calgary
Driver Distraction: A view from the simulator
Dr. Frank Drews, Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology, University of Utah
Brain limitations on multitasking while driving
Dr. Marcel Just, D.O. Hebb Professor of Psychology and Director, Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging, Carnegie Mellon University
Possible Solutions: Part I – Legislation and Laws
Distracted Driving: Can We Legislate the Problem Away?
Dr. Anne McCartt, Vice President, Research, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Distracted Driving Recommendations – Transferring Research and Investigations into Law
Kevin Quinlan, Chief, Safety Advocacy Division, National Transportation Safety Board
Possible Solutions: Part II – Public Education
Nationwide Insurance Distracted Driver Survey
Bill Windsor, Assistant Vice President, Office of Safety, Nationwide Insurance
Reducing the impacts of distracted driving on fatalities and injuries through an approach based on public education and the use of multiple methods
Neil Arason
Possible Solutions: Part III - Employer Policies
Strategies for Promoting and Supporting Wireless Communication Device Free Driving Policies
Dr. Louis Francescutti, Professor, School of Public Health and Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta; Coalition for Cellphone-Free Driving
Hang Up For Employees
John Kageorge, Media Relations Manger, AMEC
Possible Solutions: Part IV – Technology
Technology Solutions to Driver Distraction/Overload
Dr. Paul Green, Research Professor, Human Factors Division, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
Mediating Distracted Driving
David Teater, Co-Founder and Director, Aegis Mobility, Inc.
