Citation

McEvoy SP, Stevenson MR, Woodward M. Med. J. Aust. 2006; 185(11-12): 630-634.

Affiliation

The George Institute for International Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia. smcevoy@george.org.au

Comment In:

Med J Aust 4-18;185(11-12):628-9.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Australian Medical Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17181509

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the use and effects of using mobile phones while driving. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: New South Wales and Western Australia, 20 October to 7 November 2003. PARTICIPANTS: 1347 licensed drivers aged 18 to 65 years. Data were weighted to reflect the corresponding driving population in each state. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mobile phone use while driving (hand-held, hands-free and text messaging); adverse effects of use. RESULTS: While driving, an estimated 57.3% +/- 1.5% of drivers have ever used a mobile phone and 12.4% +/- 1.0% have written text messages. Men, younger drivers and metropolitan residents were more likely to use a phone while driving and to report a higher frequency of use. Enforcement of hand-held phone restrictions was perceived to be low (69.0% +/- 1.5%) and an estimated 39.4% +/- 2.1% of people who phone while driving use a hand-held phone. Half of all drivers (50.1% +/- 1.6%) did not agree with extending the ban to include hands-free phones. Among drivers aged 18-65 years in NSW and WA, an estimated 45 800 +/- 16 466 (0.9% +/- 0.3%) have ever had a crash while using a mobile phone and, in the past year, 146 762 +/- 26 856 (3.0% +/- 0.6%) have had to take evasive action to avoid a crash because of their phone use. CONCLUSIONS: Phone use while driving is prevalent and can result in adverse consequences, including crashes. Despite legislation, a significant proportion of drivers continue to use hand-held mobile phones while driving. Enhanced enforcement is needed.


Keywords: Driver distraction;

Language: en