CAMBRDIGE, Mass. — New data collected by a local telematics and AI company is providing insight into drivers’ behavior near World Cup stadiums on game days in June.
Cambridge Mobile Telematics used its StreetVision technology to look at instances of distracted driving, speeding, and hard braking between June 12th and June 27th.
The data came from the phone sensors of drivers who opted into sharing the information. CMT’s Senior Vice President of Strategy, Ryan McMahon, says the analysis shows distracted driving rose in ten of the 11 host cities.
On the major travel corridors near Boston Stadium, there was an average rise in distracted driving of 9.7% over the first five games. That’s just behind San Francisco, where distracted driving increased by an average of 10.1%. Only Seattle saw a slight drop, by .07%.
Boston also claimed a key distinction back on June 16th, according to McMahon.
“The game that actually created the most distraction in the U.S. was the Norway versus Iraq game. It was a 40% increase in distraction post-game.”
That game also led to the most congestion. It was up 226% between 8 and 11 p.m.
Because the StreetVision technology is new, McMahon says it’s too soon to know if these driving patterns are as prevalent after other stadium events like football games and concerts. But as more data becomes available, it could pave the way for meaningful changes. “Most of the work that’s happened to make roads safer has waited for those crashes to happen.
Now we can take the information and solve that ahead of time. And if we can solve it ahead of time, then we can make the commute faster and safer at the same time.”
The data also provides key insight for both drivers and pedestrians, according to McMahon.
“I think it’s something that’s very important for drivers to understand from a defensive perspective and from pedestrians. Just because you’re in a crosswalk and you’re doing the right thing does not mean that the other drivers are identifying you or seeing you. And the same thing goes for when you’re behind the wheel.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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