Live and Let Drive

How Drivers Interact with Technology

The New Mexico Department of Transportation Season 1 Episode 10

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Nichole Morris, the Director of the HumanFIRST Lab at the University of Minnesota. The Lab's mission is to reduce injuries and fatal crashes on the road by gaining a better understanding of driving behavior, particularly how drivers interact with technology. Whether we're using navigation, cruise control, or a backup camera, technology has become an integral part of our driving experience. As a psychologist, Dr. Morris sheds light on how we interact with the technology, not just what it’s designed to do. While technology has the potential to make cars safer, it's crucial to consider whether they can also be distracting and how they directly and indirectly impact driver and pedestrian safety. We discuss Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, commonly known as ADAS and its implications for road safety. Additionally, we discuss innovative solutions to how technology can prevent drunk driving. 

For more information about HumanFIRST Lab, visit their website at https://humanfirst.umn.edu/