title: Factors influencing the use of cellular (mobile) phone during driving and hazards while using it.
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.
authors.affiliation: Liikenneturva (Central Organization for Traffic Safety in Finland), P.O. Box 29, 00421 Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: Leena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pöysti
authors.forename: Sirpa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajalin
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Summala
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D040421:Cell Phone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors