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Risk perceptions of mobile phone use while driving.
Mathew P White1, J Richard Eiser, Peter R Harris
1Department of Psychology, Center for Research in Social Attitudes, Western Bank, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. m.p.white@shef.ac.uk
Summary
Drivers perceive using hands-free mobile phones while driving as less risky than handheld devices, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Risk perception is influenced by perceived impact and controllability, impacting preferences for driving regulations.
Area of Science:
- Road safety
- Human-computer interaction
- Cognitive psychology
Background:
- Governments worldwide are implementing regulations on mobile phone use while driving.
- Research has extensively covered objective risks but less on driver risk perception and its underlying factors.
- In-car distractions and emerging technologies necessitate a deeper understanding of driver behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate drivers' risk perceptions of mobile phone use while driving.
- To explore the factors influencing these perceptions, including comparison with other distractions.
- To examine the relationship between perceived risks and support for driving regulations.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted: Study 1 (N=199) compared perceived risks of handheld vs. hands-free mobile phone use.
- Study 2 (N=1,320) surveyed drivers on their mobile phone usage, perceived accident risk, and optimistic bias.
- Statistical analysis explored the influence of 'impact' and 'controllability' on risk perception and regulation preferences.
Main Results:
- Handheld mobile phone use was perceived as riskier than hands-free use.
- Nearly half of surveyed drivers reported using mobile phones while driving.
- Drivers exhibited an optimistic bias, perceiving their own accident risk as lower than their peers.
- 'Impact' and 'controllability' significantly underpinned risk perceptions and moderated support for driving restrictions.
Conclusions:
- Driver risk perception regarding mobile phone use is complex and influenced by factors beyond objective risk.
- The perceived 'controllability' of mobile phone use while driving plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards regulations.
- Regulators should adopt a strategic, holistic approach to in-car technology regulations rather than a piecemeal, hazard-specific one.