MIT AgeLab Debuts Distracted Driving Research with State Farm
by Niels Wu
The AgeLab announced its new research collaboration with State Farm this October. The still-unfolding project will focus on defining, recognizing, and combating distracted driving.
Distracted driving is dangerous; in 2024, distracted drivers killed 3,208 people in the United States and injured far more. Moreover, as digital technologies become increasingly integrated into vehicles, they may themselves distract and endanger drivers, despite being designed for safety or convenience.
To better understand how emerging technologies are changing the experience of being behind the wheel, the AgeLab launched the AWARE Initiative, which stands for AI with Awareness for Real-world Engagement. The Initiative supports research exploring how intelligent systems can safely and effectively support tasks like driving, and encompasses the nascent AgeLab-State Farm partnership.
While the study resulting from the partnership is in progress, there have been some initial findings; in a national survey, a substantial number of American drivers found aspects of interacting with their vehicle to be distracting such as using a touchscreen (57%), adjusting navigation (46%), or using driver assistance features (39%). Ongoing analysis aims to uncover drivers’ inclinations to engage in these behaviors and others, as well as how other factors such as stress or emotions interplay with distraction.
For more findings, as well as more information about the project, read the full press release from State Farm.
- Share
