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Using Mobile Phones

While Driving Effect & Solution

Ahmad Ba-Masq

Using Mobile Phones While Driving 093

Cartoons images: www.cartoonstock.com

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………..………………..1

I BACKGROUND………………………………………………………………………………………………1

A- Using mobile phones……………………………………………………………………….1

B- Using mobile phones while driving………………………………………………….2

II EFFECTS……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…3

A- Distractions…………………………………………………………………………………….3

1. Forms of distraction…………………………………………………………………3

2. Effect of texting……………………………………………………………………….4

3. Hands-free vs. hand-held? ………………………………………………………4

B- Effect on driving performance………………………………………………………..5

C- Effect on crash risk…………………………………………………………………………5

1. Studies & statistics…………………………………………………………………..6

2. Examples of crash problem size……………………………………………….7

III SOLVING THE PROBLEM………………………………………………………….………………..8

A- Legislation………………………………………………………………………………………8

1. Types and extent…………………………………………….………………………8

2. Public opinion………………………………………………………………………….8

3. Effectiveness……………………………………………………………………………9

B- Public education………………………………………………………………………………9

C- Technological Improvements…………………………………………………………..9

CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………………………………10

WORK CITED.…………………………………………………………………………………………………11

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INTRODUCTION

During the last 30 years, mobile telephones have become a major source of

communication and an essential device for many people. Since car telephones that

appeared in the 1980s, the use of hand-held and hands-free devices has rapidly

increased.

Thus, using mobile phones while driving has become a concern in the field of traffic

safety. Now, the vast majority of drivers (60 to 70%) are using their mobile phones

while driving at least sometimes. (3: 16) Moreover, it is estimated that 20-30% of all

road crashes are because of driver distraction and inattention. (3: 9)

The specific purpose of this report is to identify some problems with using cell

phones and effects of that while driving. In addition, the report will discuss the extent

of this phenomenon and will suggest some solutions. I think this report should be of

particular interest to drivers who want to avoid dangerous traffic.

I- Background

A- The Use of Mobile Phones

The mobile has changed people’s lifestyles and ways of communication. It makes

daily communication much easier. Thus, we can communicate with each other

without having to be in a particular place. The trend of increasing ownership of the

mobile phone is clear all over the world. The number of mobile subscribers

worldwide was 1.5 billion in 2004. This number is increasing continually to more than

2.5 billion subscribers in 2009. (3: 13) In Europe, there are 478.4 million mobile

phones in use. That represents 103% of the population! (6: 2)

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B- The Use of Mobile Phones While Driving

At the same time of continuous increase in the number of mobile phone users, the

percentage of drivers using mobile phones in their vehicles has also increased.

At the moment, the majority of drivers (60 to 70%) are using their mobile phones

while driving at least sometimes. Many studies from different places give similar

results and estimate that 1 to 4% of drivers use mobile phones at any given moment

during the day. (3: 11)

The next table shows different studies and surveys taken from different sources:

Country By Found Source USA Sundeen 2001;

Lissy et al. 70 to 90% of drivers in the US use their mobile phones at least some of the time

(3: 12)

USA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

At any moment during the day, 6% of drivers in 2008 were using hand-held phones and 11% were using any kind of phones.

(4: 1)

UK

Green Flag report

78% of high mileage drivers said they used a phone while driving, compared with 37% of all drivers.

(5: 3) (3: 13)

Netherlands Barten et al. 2006

In 2005, 50% of Dutch drivers stated they use a mobile phone while driving. Of these drivers, 75% said never to use a hand-held mobile phone.

(6: 2)

Saudi Arabia

Self Survey Out of 67 Saudi drivers, 56 (84%) said they use a phone while driving; only 3 drivers use free-hand phones.

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II- Effects

A- Distractions

The use of mobile phones in cars is one of many sources of driver distraction which

leads to crashes and injuries. Mobile phone use while driving can distract drivers in

several ways:

Physically: drivers have to use one or both of their hands to hold the phone,

dial a number, answer or end a call instead of focusing on the tasks required by

driving (e.g. steering, gear changing).

Visually: distraction caused by moving drivers' eyes from the road and looking

to the mobile phone to use it, especially, when starting and completing calls or

when seeing visual information (e.g. reading SMS). Further, even if drivers’

eyes are focusing on the road, they 'look but do not see'.

Auditory: drivers move their attention to the sound of the mobile phone or

conversation instead of sounds from the road environment.

Cognitively: That happens when two mental tasks are happening at the same

time. Instead of focusing on driving, drivers focus on the topic of the phone

conversation. Listening, alone, can reduce activity in the part of the brain

associated with driving by more than a third! (3: 24) (1: 6)

These forms of distraction can cause impairment in driving performance and increase

crash risk.

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2- Effect of texting

Many studies indicate that text messaging

while driving is more distracting than

speaking into a mobile phone. (4:3)

The dangers results from: increase mental

workload, impairment control caused by the

physical distraction, and visual impairment.

When text messaging, drivers spend 400%

more time with their eyes out off the road

than in normal driving! (1: 8)

3- Hands-free vs. hand-held?

Some drivers believe that using hands-free phones

could be much safer. However, the majority of

studies have proven that hands-free phoning does

not have a clear safety advantage compares to

handheld phoning. (3: 4) The driver response to the

events is impaired more than the ability to maintain

driving control. (1: 7) Further, the mobile phone

conversation itself can impair drivers more than

listening to the radio or talking to passengers. (5: 6)

The widely cited New England Journal of Medicine

study by Redelmeier and Tibshirani stated:

"We observed no safety advantage to hands-free as compared to

hand-held telephones … One possibility is that motor vehicle collisions

result from a driver’s limitations with regard to attention rather than

dexterity." (7: 5)

A similar conclusion has been reached by researchers at the University of Utah and

others at the University of South Florida. (7: 5)

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B- Effect on driving performance

What happens when a driver makes a conversation while driving? Many studies

provide a similar answer to this question: using a mobile phone while driving

negatively affects drivers' performance!

The following points are summary of the effects

of mobile phone conversation on driving

performance:

Slower reactions and more misses: The

phone conversation results in a significant

slow reaction. (3: 38) The probability of

missing important traffic signals is

increased. Another research shows that

reaction of drivers who are using mobile

phone are 30% slower than drunken drivers and 50% slower than in normal driving

conditions. (1: 7)

Slower braking reactions: Studies show that braking reaction time is reduced

during an mobile phone conversation by 0.3 to 0.7 seconds; drivers brake

harder (they stop faster) with shorter stopping distances. (1: 7) (3: 38)

Other risky behavior: Studies have shown that mobile phone users wear their

seatbelt less frequently. It also show that risky behaviors, such as drink-driving

and speeding, are more frequently for mobile phones users. (1: 7)

"It also impairs: maintenance of lane position, maintenance of appropriate

and predictable speed and maintenance of appropriate following distances

from vehicles in front." (5: 6)

C- Crashes Risk

Experimental evidence shows that using a mobile phone while driving impairs driving

performance in many ways. The next question is: does using a mobile phone while

driving increase accident risk and if so, to what extent?

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1- Studies & statistics

The simple answer of the pervious question is: Yes! Many studies and researches

directly link talking on a mobile phone to increased crash risk. Here are some

collected examples:

Country By Found Source

Australia Institute study of drivers (2005)

Mobile phone users 4 times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves

(4: 1)

many Different The estimated increased risk varies from 2 to 9.

(3: 22)

USA Redelmeier,D. A., (1997)

Statistical analysis indicated that the risk was 4 times higher.

(5: 8)

Taiwan IATSS, Int. Ass. of Traffic and Safety Sciences (2000-2001)

Over 3,000 road accidents occurred during 4 months period. 676 of them (22%) involved drivers who had a mobile phone in the car.

(5: 9)

Norway Sagberg Using mobile phones increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash by about 1.7 times.

(7: 8)

As the use of mobile phones is growing so rapidly, it is very likely that they will

become an increasingly common cause of road crashes.

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2- Size of crash problem

The information of the next table show how the size of crash problem is in many

places around the world:

Country By Found

Netherlands SWOV, Institute for Road Safety Research

nearly 600 road deaths and in-patients per year would be saved if mobile phone use while driving could be abandoned completely

Sweden VTI, Swedish Road and Traffic Res. Ins.

estimated that around 10-20 people die annually as a result of using a mobile phone

US HCRA, Harvard Center for Risk Analysis

estimated that use of phones while driving may cause 2,600 deaths, 330,000 intermediate to major injuries, 240,000 minor injuries annually

Source of the above data: (1: 9)

Taiwan IATSS, Int. Ass. of Traffic and Safety Sciences

between Aug. 2000 and March 2001, 2,407 traffic accidents caused by drivers using mobile phones. These resulted in 14 people being killed and 443 being injured

(5: 9)

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III- Solving the Problem

The mobile phone has become an important part of our everyday life. It is not

realistic to expect people to completely stop using mobile phones in vehicles. There

are many ways and ideas to reduce this phenomenon including: Legislation, public

education and Technological Improvements.

A- Legislation

Many countries around the world have introduced legislation to restrict the use of

mobile phone while driving.

1- Types and extent

• Banning hand-held phones: The use of

hand-held car mobile phone phones

while driving is illegal in over 45

countries around the world.

• Banning of hands-free phones: Safety

organizations have called for a complete

ban on mobile phone use while driving.

In Europe, only Portugal restricts the use

of hands-free mobile phones.

• Bans on texting while driving: Generally in Europe, texting is included in the general

bans use a hand held phone. In the US, texting is specifically banned for all drivers in

10 states. (1: 10-11)

2- Public opinion

Actually, there is a public feeling considering the dangers with mobile phone use

while driving and the need for restricting their use.

In 2001, a US Gallup poll found that 70% of the public supported a ban on handheld

phones use by drivers. (3: 42) Another survey shows that 88% of 1000 UK drivers and

motorcyclists said that using a hand-held mobile phone should be illegal and 45%

said that using any phone, hand-held or hands-free, should be illegal. (5: 2)

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In my own survey on the internet, 38 Saudi drivers (out of 66) support a ban on

handheld phones use while 11 drivers support the ban of using any phone. However,

17 drivers (25%) don't support the ban.

3- Effectiveness

Although some results in US, Finland, and UK shows that the short-term effects of

these laws could be significant and cause 50% reduction, (3: 48) (1: 18) (4:2) the long-

term effects is not very clear. After one year, the level of use could even return to the

same level as before the law. (3: 48) (4: 2)

However, two reports (McCartt & Geary 2004 and Horberry et al. 2001) indicate that

publicity campaigns could increase the effectiveness of legislation. (3: 48)

B- Public education

The public education on highway safety has a history of successes (e.g. campaigns to

combat drunk driving and promote seat belt use and driving within speed limits).

Recently, it has also been recognized that educational effort is necessary to promote

the responsible use of mobile phones while driving.

In the US, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) begun to

introduce information and advices related to using mobile phone while driving. (7: 4)

Last year, in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Gulf countries, there was a campaign has a title

of "Don't call until you arrive".

In addition, some mobile phone providers and cars manufacturers launched

campaigns to increase the awareness of driver distraction risks. (6: 5) For example,

AT&T and Nokia advise their owners (in the manuals) never to talk while driving. (7:4)

C- Technological Improvements

Principle of "technology against technology" can be used here. Technology has the

ability to provide some solutions related to driver distraction problem.

Recently, new technological devices and phone applications are being made to

develop technology through GPS to block mobile use while driving. Some 2011 Ford

vehicles will be supported with a "Do not disturb" button to block incoming calls and

text messages. (2: 2)

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CONCLUSION

A mobile phone has become one of the most common devices present in cars today,

with more than two thirds of drivers using a mobile phone at least sometimes while

driving. Parallel with these increasing numbers and increased use of mobile phones in

traffic, the concerns about negative effects on traffic safety were also rising.

These negative effects on driving performance are caused by physical, visual,

auditory and cognitive distractions as a result of mobile phone use. In terms of crash

risk, there is agreement that drivers who use mobile phones have a 4 times higher

than drivers who do not.

The following are some recommendations that could better determine and control

the effects of mobile phone use on road safety:

Continuing enforcement and publicity will needed to increase the efficacy of

legislation.

Drivers need to be more aware of the dangers of mobile phone use.

They must be educated about the possible effects of distraction and their

ability to compensate for it.

Drivers should receive recommendations on how to deal with mobile phones

in their vehicle in case of emergency.

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Works Cited

1. Breen, Jeanne (2009). "Car telephone use and road safety" the European

Commission, June 2009

<http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/pdf/car_telephone_use_and_roa

d_safety.pdf>

2. Copeland, Larry. "Safety-driven software aims to block texting while driving"

USA TODAY. 7/21/2010 <http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-07-

21-1Atexting21_ST_N.htm> 3. Dragutinovic, N. & Twisk, D. (2005). "Use of mobile phones while driving –

effects on road safety" SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research -

Leidschendam, the Netherlands, <www.swov.nl/rapport/r-2005-12.pdf>

4. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2010), " Q&As: Cellphones, texting, and

driving" IIHS, January 2010

<http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/cellphones.aspx>,

<http://townhall.townofchapelhill.org/agendas/2010/02/22/2a/2a-2-

cell_phone_driving_q_as-cell_phone.pdf>

5. Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) (2002). The risk of using

a mobile phone while driving.

<www.rospa.com/pdfs/road/mobiles/report.pdf>

6. SWOV (2008). "SWOV Fact sheet: Use of mobile phone while driving " SWOV

Institute for Road Safety Research - Leidschendam, the Netherlands,

<www.swov.nl/rapport/Factsheets/UK/FS_Mobile_phones.pdf>

7. Williams, John (2002). "Cell Phones and Driving" Minnesota House of

Representatives Research, Department October 2002.

<www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/cellphdrvg.pdf>