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A <br /> Guidepost <br /> Other Driver Behavior <br /> Driver behavior encompasses the decisions individuals make both before and while driving. While not specifically <br /> reported in the crash data reviewed,the NHTSA has found that seat belts and other safety features reduce the risk of <br /> fatal injury by 45%.These findings emphasize that the decisions drivers make before getting behind the wheel are just <br /> as critical to safety as those made while driving. <br /> IDOT crash data is compiled from individual police reports, which reflect the officers' assessments of contributing <br /> factors at the time of the incident. This study evaluated the prevalence of: <br /> Following too closely Distracted driving Failing to yield <br /> Disregarding signs and signals Speeding Improper traffic movements <br /> FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE - - AND SIGNALS <br /> 4.8%TOTAL CRASHES 9.4%TOTAL CRASHES 11.4%TOTAL CRASHES <br /> 11.8%SEVERE CRASHES 1.2%SEVERE CRASHES 4.7%SEVERE CRASHES <br /> •ISTRACTED DRIVING SPEEDING FAILING TO YIELD IMPROPER MOV <br /> 3.2%TOTAL CRASHES 18.1%TOTAL CRASHES 22.6%TOTAL CRASHES 16.6%TOTAL CRASHES <br /> 4.3%SEVERE CRASHES 4.3%SEVERE CRASHES 4.4%SEVERE CRASHES 1.4%SEVERE CRASHES <br /> AVERAGE SEVERE CRASH RATE: 3.3% <br /> Figure 9-Driver Behavior Crash Rates <br /> Following too closely and improper traffic movements were associated with a low severe crash rate. However, <br /> improper traffic movements still made up the third-highest total number of crashes (just under 17%), in part due to <br /> confusing or missing signage,worn pavement markings,and general poor driving decisions. <br /> Overall,the rest of the studied behaviors did not significantly impact crash severity as significantly. Drivers failing to <br /> yield the right-of-way had the largest number of crashes (22.6%), followed by speeding. Crashes involving speeding <br /> made up just over 18% of the total and had a slightly higher severity rate compared to the average rate (3.3% for all <br /> crashes). Speed management is a key issue in reducing severe crashes. Speeding on local streets can be particularly <br /> dangerous, as pedestrians are more often there. Speed humps or the addition of more traffic control measures,such <br /> as stop signs at uncontrolled intersections,will help to reduce speeds along these local roadways. Distracted driving <br /> accounted for 3.2% of crashes and only had a slightly elevated crash severity rate, suggesting that enforcement and <br /> public education efforts have been effective. <br /> Kapur Page 25 of 81 <br />