Is it all about mobile phones? Exploring drivers’ perceptions of government information and road rules on distracted driving

Distracted driving is a traffic safety issue worldwide. While the development of comprehensive information and road rules about distracted driving by governments is essential to address the issue, there is evidence showing that existing road rules and information may not always deter drivers from engaging in distractions while driving. Therefore, this study explored drivers’ views on government information and road rules concerning distracted driving, aiming to understand how these rules and information have shaped drivers’ perceptions and behavior towards distractions. Interviews (n = 35) were conducted with Queensland drivers aged between 21 and 70 years and a thematic analysis was used to explore the data. Based on the findings, government information on distracted driving was believed by participants to be incomprehensive, not effectively communicated, and focused on mobile phone use. Road rules and enforcement measures often prioritize mobile phone use and contain grey areas that may confuse drivers about legal and illegal distractions. The results showed that the perceived risk of distractions varies among drivers, with some distractions not being considered as risky as other behaviors (e.g., using a smartwatch). Findings showed that government practices are believed to influence drivers’ perceptions and behavior about distracted driving, encouraging an inaccurate perception about driver safety and with the potential to prompt drivers to engage with distracting behaviors without knowledge nor consideration of the risks. The results of this study offer important insights for policymakers in developing and disseminating comprehensive information and road rules for distracted driving.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2024.107770
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457524003154
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00014575
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Rejali, Sina
  • 0000-0002-6204-0230
  • Watson-Brown, Natalie
  • Kaye, Sherrie-Anne
  • Senserrick, Teresa
  • 0000-0001-6407-9035
  • Oviedo-Trespalacios, Oscar
• Publication Date: 2024-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 107770
• Serial:
  • Accident Analysis & Prevention
  • Volume: 208
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0001-4575
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00014575

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Behavior; Distracted driving; Policy making; Policy, legislation and regulation; Risk assessment
• Geographic Terms: Queensland (Australia)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Policy; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01932718
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 4 2024 9:18AM