Applications on smartphones designed to observe driving habits could play a pivotal role in enhancing road safety.
A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that utilizing smartphone apps for monitoring driver conduct, along with delivering performance summaries through text messages or dashboards, promotes safer driving practices.
The research team implemented strategies from usage-based insurance (UBI), wherein insurers employ smartphone apps to track high-risk driving behaviors such as sudden braking, rapid acceleration, and speeding. Unlike traditional methods relying on historical data like driving records, UBI leverages live data from apps to assess risk and formulate insurance premiums, typically with an opt-in structure to potentially reduce costs. However, those who drive less safely may face increased expenses.
General skepticism towards real-time monitoring by insurance companies exists among many individuals. Nonetheless, the AAA study demonstrated that such tracking can enhance driving safety even after apps are deactivated. Participants were informed that their data was being evaluated solely for research purposes, and it would not impact insurance rates.
General skepticism towards real-time monitoring by insurance companies exists among many individuals.
The study involved 1,400 participants, categorized into four groups: a control group; a standard feedback group receiving weekly updates on all monitored behaviors; a targeted goal group getting feedback on specific behaviors; and a personalized feedback group, which chose particular behaviors for feedback.
Among those receiving feedback, 13 percent exhibited reduced speeding, 21 percent showed fewer instances of hard braking, and 25 percent decreased their rapid acceleration.
Feedback from participants revealed what motivated changes in their driving: 67.4 percent would be influenced by the chance to earn extra money; 53.9 percent favored weekly text updates, while 45.8 percent preferred a comprehensive weekly dashboard detailing their driving habits.
Moreover, the researchers examined smartphone usage while driving and noted that some negative behaviors remained largely unchanged. They speculated that initial baseline safety scores may have led participants to overestimate their safety, reducing perceived necessity for improvement.
13 percent exhibited reduced speeding
Following a 12-week period, participants were observed for an additional six weeks without feedback to assess the sustainability of their improved driving habits. The findings indicated that overall, safer driving practices persisted.
“It’s uplifting to observe that many individuals maintained safer driving habits post-study,” stated Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy. “This demonstrates that positive reinforcement, alongside punitive measures, can cultivate lasting safe driving habits that ultimately save lives.”
In 2023, vehicle crashes in the US resulted in over 40,000 fatalities. The AAA emphasizes the urgency for creative initiatives to educate the public on safer driving practices.
While resistance towards real-time tracking remains common, especially as drivers often have an inflated perception of their skills, usage-based insurance programs are on the rise. In 2020, 16 percent of auto insurance shoppers encountered UBI options, with 12 percent opting to enroll. By 2024, the figures increased to 15 percent offered and nearly one-fifth participated.
Given that smartphones are regularly utilized to track various aspects of personal behavior such as fitness, sleep, and nutrition, why not extend this to monitor driving habits?
