Marisa Auguste

Ms. Auguste is a behavioral research assistant at the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center (CTSRC) at the University of Connecticut. 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 barriers, COVID-19's impact on crash patterns and driver behavior, distracted driving, 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. Her research has won a national traffic safety award and 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 80 countries.

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