Mobile Phone Use: a Growing Problem of Driver Distraction
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Mobile phone use: a growing problem of driver distraction istracted driving is a serious and growing on driving behaviour. Evidence shows that the threat to road safety. With more and distraction caused by mobile phones can impair more people owning mobile phones, driving performance in a number of ways, e.g. Dand the rapid introduction of new “in- longer reaction times (notably braking reaction vehicle” communication systems, this problem time, but also reaction to traffic signals), impaired is likely to escalate globally in the coming years. ability to keep in the correct lane, and shorter However, to date there is insufficient evidence following distances. Text messaging also results on the risks associated with different sources in considerably reduced driving performance, with of distraction, and what interventions can be put young drivers at particular risk of the effects of into place to reduce their impact upon road traffic distraction resulting from this use. crashes. Effects of mobile phone use on crash risk: Mobile phone use: Studies suggest that drivers using a mobile phone There are different types of driver distraction, but are approximately four times more likely to be the use of mobile phones while driving is of primary involved in a crash than when a driver does not concern to policy-makers. Evidence suggests that use a phone. At the time of writing, there is no this behaviour is increasing rapidly as a result of the conclusive evidence to show that hands-free exponential growth in the use of mobile phones phoning is any safer than hand-held phoning, more generally in society. Nonetheless, mobile because of the cognitive distraction involved with phone use may be considered as one example of both types of phones. the broader problem of driver distraction. Interventions: Studies from a number of countries suggest that To date, there is little information on the the proportion of drivers using mobile phones effectiveness of interventions to reduce mobile while driving has increased over the past 5–10 phone use while driving. As a result, a number years, ranging from 1% to up to 11% at any of countries are following an approach that has one moment, with the use of hands-free mobile been known to be successful in addressing other phones likely to be higher. In many countries the key risk factors for road traffic injuries, such as in extent of this problem remains unknown, as data increasing seat-belt use, or reducing speed and on mobile phone use is not routinely collected drink-driving. This includes a combination of data when a crash occurs. collection, legislation, sustained enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. A similar Effects of mobile phone use on driving approach that combines these measures is likely behaviour: to be effective in tackling mobile phone use as Using mobile phones can cause drivers to well, and has begun in many countries. take their eyes off the road, their hands off the steering wheel, and their minds off the road Data collection and research and the surrounding situation. It is this last type More work is needed to improve the systematic of distraction – known as cognitive distraction collection of mobile phone use in crash data to – which appears to have the biggest impact assess the extent and distribution of the problem in individual countries. This will allow prevention our lives, making it all the harder to achieve the efforts to be effectively targeted, while more essential cultural shift towards accepting the research is also needed to better understand the dangers of using mobile phones when driving. impacts of different forms of mobile phone use Lessons can be learned from the success of road – for instance, conversation, sending or receiving safety efforts to address drink-driving in a number text messages – on driving behaviour and crash of countries, which have resulted in this behaviour risk in real-life settings. becoming considered a social taboo. Indeed, public awareness campaigns must strive to Legislation and enforcement increase awareness of risk, so that manufacturers A number of countries have taken steps to and consumers are not pushing the demand for legislate on mobile phone use, and a wide range increased in-vehicle technologies. Campaigns of laws are being adopted: some countries also need to increase awareness among the focus laws on particular high-risk groups, such public that for drivers, hands-free phones appear as young drivers, while others have applied a to be as distracting as hand-held phones. blanket ban on use of all mobile phones (hand- held and hands-free) and still others have taken Technology the decision not to legislate at all on this issue. While the focus of this report is primarily on the Whether or not laws prohibiting the use (and type distraction resulting from mobile phone use, of use) of mobile phones should be introduced, technological systems within vehicles can also be and who they should apply to, are decisions to used to protect against distraction more generally. be taken by national, state or provincial policy- For example, warning features that warn the makers, and will depend in part on the ability for driver of sudden lane departures may serve to enforcement to be continuous. Policy decisions reduce injuries related to distraction. on legislation should be based on the best scientific evidence available: to date, there is a Conclusion: lack of research that examines the effectiveness Mobile phones have immense public utility, of legislation in sustaining reduced levels of use improving communication in social and of mobile phones and even less evidence on commercial interactions. Nonetheless, their role the effects of these laws in reducing road traffic in driver distraction and consequently in road injuries or fatalities. traffic crashes means that some measure of “reining in” their use while driving is required. This Employer policies will require legislative measures, creative ways Road traffic crashes are a leading cause of of enforcement, some degree of regulation of occupational fatalities in many countries, leading industry, and a shift in societal perceptions about to substantial human and financial losses for what behaviour is “acceptable” at the wheel. companies and organisations. Many companies now address distracted driving within fleet Although work to generate evidence in this area safety policies, limiting or prohibiting the use of is in its infancy relative to other aspects of road mobile phones while driving. The possibility that safety, it is important for governments to be employers may be liable for motor vehicle crashes proactive now. Considerable gains have been involving employees while driving is also a strong made in the area of road safety in many countries incentive towards encouraging such a policy. in the past few decades. If we are to maintain and improve on these gains, then managing the risks Increasing public awareness and benefits of technologies that are used while Campaigns to increase public understanding of driving will be critical. Failure to act now could not driving while distracted are likely to be important only make it more difficult to address the issue in tackling mobile phone use when used as part at a later date, but would also lead to many more of a comprehensive strategy. Mobile phones have preventable traffic injuries and deaths on roads become increasingly integrated into all aspects of around the world. WHO/NMH/VIP/11.01 – www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/road_traffic/distracted_driving/en/index.html The full report can be downloaded from http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/road_traffic/distracted_driving/en/index.html.