Marisa Auguste

Driver Behavior Analyst

Marisa Auguste is the Driver Behavior Analyst for the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center (CTSRC). Conducting social science research in roadway transportation, her primary focus is on human behavior in the driving environment. A large part of her work involves analyzing state-wide data to identify vulnerable populations and patterns of behavior that are positively correlated with increased motor vehicle crash risk. Her research projects have focused on teenage mobility, distracted driving and distracted walking behaviors, and pedestrian safety education. Utilizing a background in sociology, psychology and criminal justice, Ms. Auguste relies on theories and behavior modification practices based in these disciplines.

 In addition to her research interests, Ms. Auguste continues to be an active member of the human behavior and transportation research communities. Currently, Ms. Auguste serves as a manuscript reviewer for the social science journal, Social Moments and is also an active member of Connecticut’s statewide impaired driving, occupant protection, and pedestrian safety task forces. Her research has been published in Injury Prevention, Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, and most notably, a two-time New England Emmy nominated documentary on distracted driving behaviors, 3 Seconds Behind the Wheel. Ms. Auguste is also the owner and author of the popular traffic psychology blog, Drivers Behaving Badly, which has garnered readers in over 73 countries.

 Current research projects: COVID-19's effect on transportation, marijuana use and driving, human and vehicle interaction, and linkage of motor vehicle crash and citation data.