Instructions:
Complete this element for all vulnerable users. NOTE: “Presence” is not the same as an activity associated with the person or item. Vulnerable user needs to be engaged in some activity associated with the thing that is causing a distraction. Just having a mobile phone, sandwich, other vulnerable user, etc., nearby isn’t a distraction. The distraction is when the vulnerable user‘s attention is diverted from the task of navigating in public to using the phone, eating the sandwich, turning to talk to another vulnerable user, etc. The source of the distraction doesn’t have to be a contributing factor in the crash, but it does have to be in use, engaged, the person was doing it at the time, etc., for it to have been a distraction.
Definition:
Distractions that may have influenced the vulnerable user’s performance.
Rationale:
This data element is important to identify behavioral concerns, inform law enforcement activities and legislative actions, and evaluate traffic safety countermeasure programs.
| Code | Attribute | Definition | Example |
| 0 | None | Used when no vulnerable user traffic control sign, signal, or person (e.g., crossing guard, flagger) was applicable to this Vulnerable User at the time of the crash. |  |
| 1 | Not Distracted | Used when this vulnerable user was completely attentive to the task of navigating in public. | |
| 2 | Manually operating an electronic device (texting, typing, dialing) | Used when this vulnerable user was distracted by using a handheld or hands-free mobile electronic device (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, gaming device, GPS). Examples include: talking or listening on a mobile device; texting, dialing, or other manipulation of a device; using navigation apps; playing a game; listening to music; etc. |  |
| 3 | Talking on hands-free electronic device | Used when the vulnerable user was talking or listening on a “hands-free” or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or other electronic device. |  |
| 4 | Talking on hand-held electronic device | Used when the vulnerable user was talking or listening on a handheld mobile phone or other electronic device. | |
| 5 | Utilizing listening device | Used when the vulnerable user was using headphones, portable speaker, or other listening device. | |
| 6 | Other activity (searching, eating, personal hygiene, etc.) | Used when the vulnerable user was distracted by something other than using a mobile electronic device. Examples include, talking to another vulnerable user or a vehicle occupant, playing, animal-related, eating or drinking, lighting a cigarette, reading a sign, using a snowblower, mowing grass, etc. | |
| 7 | Passenger | Used when the vulnerable user was distracted by a passenger, such as someone riding on a bike or other micromobility device with the vulnerable user. | |
| 99 | Unknown | Used when it is unknown whether the vulnerable user was distracted. |
FAQ
What if ‘walking, running, or cycling’ and ‘entering or crossing location’ both apply?
‘Entering or crossing location’ takes precedent because this value helps to illustrate the scenario.
Accuracy Checks
- If this field is completed, confirm the vulnerable user check box is also indicated.
Other Related Fields
Vulnerable User Condition; Vulnerable User Indicator; Vulnerable User Location; Vulnerable User Type