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The ����TV���� and the state’s public universities are partnering with the Arizona Department of Transportation to understand challenges involving inexperienced drivers and improve transportation safety. 

The collaboration funded by an ABOR Regents’ Grant will have the potential to mitigate risks associated with inexperienced drivers on roadways. The grants pair state agencies with the universities to solve pressing challenges. This project and the $280,000 grant aim to increase safety for less experienced drivers through a comprehensive approach that uses engineering, technology and psychology to better understand and mitigate driving risks. The findings and recommendations are expected to inform ADOT policy, training, driver licensing process and manuals. 

“Anyone who finds themselves with an inexperienced driver or feels uneasy about newer drivers on the road — whether that's a young 16-year-old or an adult getting their driver license for the first time — has experienced moments of worry. We want to make sure everyone gets home safely,” said Jennifer Toth, ADOT director. “I know there is a real opportunity to make a difference and to do that, we need solid data along with tested safety measures designed to reduce crashes involving inexperienced drivers. This research study is going to get that for us.” 

Drivers under the age of 25 are involved in 18% of fatal crashes and 23% of injury crashes on Arizona’s roads. These statistics emphasize the need for applied research to identify potential solutions. 

The project utilizes an advanced driving simulator integrated with cutting-edge wearable-sensing technologies to capture drivers’ real-time reaction, behavioral and cognitive responses. This technology creates an unprecedented view into potential errors made by new drivers under varying road conditions, and the risks posed by emerging vehicle technologies that are redefining the driving landscape. The research team will also conduct surveys and interviews with inexperienced drivers to gather deeper insights and personal narratives. 

“As a parent and a regent, keeping our students and citizens safe on Arizona's roads is a priority. I'm proud to see our state's public universities partnering with ADOT through this Regents’ Grant to develop innovative solutions to reduce accidents and save lives,” said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. “This research project is a shining example of university applied research and the ����TV����’ commitment to the well-being of our communities.” 

The 24-month project led by principal investigator Shiva Pooladvand, Ph.D. — an assistant professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment — is divided into two phases. Phase 1 will assess the scope of inexperienced driver safety issues in Arizona and review existing strategies. Phase 2 will use driving simulators to study driver behavior and conduct surveys with inexperienced drivers. 

The research team will use cutting-edge wearable-sensing technologies, such as brain and eye-tracking sensors, to analyze drivers' cognitive processes and decision-making dynamics. By understanding how inexperienced drivers process information and make decisions, ADOT can develop targeted training programs that address their specific needs. 

The research team includes Heejin Jeong, Ph.D., assistant professor of human systems engineering at ASU; Edward Smaglik, Ph.D., professor and director of the Arizona Laboratory for Applied Transportation Research at Northern Arizona University; and Eve Isham, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. Jeong’s expertise is human decision-making in interactions with autonomous and intelligent systems, Smaglik in multimodal transportation operations, and Isham in monitoring and correcting human cognitive and perceptual errors. The team will also include graduate and undergraduate researchers. 

“Our goal is to develop effective training programs that help drivers avoid incidents and enhance road safety across our state,” Pooladvand said. “By integrating state-of-the-art wearable-sensing technologies with a high-fidelity advanced driving simulator, we can monitor the real-time behavioral, emotional and cognitive responses of each driver. By synchronizing this data, we will be able to provide tailored training programs for ADOT.” 

Kohinoor Kar, Ph.D., P.E., PTOE, ADOT research center lead, called the collaboration historic.  

“We have three state universities working together as a team and brainstorming in a concerted effort. It is exciting,” Kar said. “With the help of this Regents’ Grant, we are able to partner on an important research study, conducted right here in Arizona. ADOT subject matter experts will be involved throughout the study period and will provide necessary data and input to the research team. The study is expected to benefit all road users in Arizona. I am very much looking forward to continued collaboration and success in transportation research.”  

Another unique way Arizona’s public universities and ADOT are partnering together is through the Arizona Transportation Institute. The ABOR-approved institute is charged with carrying out transportation research processes that support the needs of ADOT and the state. These initiatives and the support of Regents’ Grants are providing state officials robust data and evidence-based safety measures to improve Arizona’s roads.