Citation

Poysti L, Rajalin S, Summala H. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2005; 37(1): 47-51.

Affiliation

Liikenneturva (Central Organization for Traffic Safety in Finland), P.O. Box 29, 00421 Helsinki, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2004.06.003

PMID

15607274

Abstract

This study addressed the strategic decisions on not using a mobile phone at all while driving, and phone-related driving hazards among those drivers who do use one, reflecting tactical and operational level processes. A representative sample of 834 licensed drivers who own a mobile phone were interviewed on their phone use and hazards, background factors, and self-image as a driver. Logistic regression models indicated that older age, female gender, smaller amount of driving, and occupation promoted not using a phone at all while driving. Additionally, low skill level and high safety motivation contributed to this decision. Among those who used a phone while driving, exposure to risk in terms of higher mileage and more extensive phone use increased phone-related hazards, as also did young age, leading occupational position, and low safety motivation. Neither gender nor driving skill level had any effect on such self-reported hazards. This study clearly indicates that potential risks of mobile phones are being controlled at many levels, by strategic as well as tactical decisions and, consequently, phone-related accidents have not increased in line with the use of the mobile phones.