NHTSA Studies How Drive Modes Affect Driver Focus
Published Date: 6/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking for approval to run a one-time, voluntary study on how different car drive-mode designs affect driver focus and safety. This affects drivers and car makers who want safer, smarter controls. Comments on this plan are open until July 8, 2026, and the study aims to improve driving without adding extra costs or paperwork.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Paid volunteer study for Phoenix drivers
You can volunteer for a one-time NHTSA driving study if you are a licensed driver aged 18 to 60 in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Selected participants will complete one study drive (either a test track or a cones course) and will be paid $375 for the test track drive or $300 for the cones course drive; the test track drive is planned to take about 160 minutes and the cones course about 130 minutes. Vehicles will be provided (so participants do not pay fuel costs), and screening of up to 300 people is expected to identify up to 96 eligible participants.
Public release of aggregated safety findings
NHTSA will analyze the study data and publish a technical report with summary figures, tables, and statistical results to the National Transportation Library; no personally identifying information will be reported. The aggregated report will be available to the general public and may inform best practices for drive-mode designs.
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