TY - JOUR
T1 - Is it all about mobile phones? Exploring drivers’ perceptions of government information and road rules on distracted driving
AU - Rejali, Sina
AU - Watson-Brown, Natalie
AU - Kaye, Sherrie Anne
AU - Senserrick, Teresa
AU - Oviedo-Trespalacios, Oscar
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)
PY - 2024/12
Y1 - 2024/12
N2 - 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 behaviour 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 prioritise 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 behaviours (e.g., using a smartwatch). Findings showed that government practices are believed to influence drivers’ perceptions and behaviour about distracted driving, encouraging an inaccurate perception about driver safety and with the potential to prompt drivers to engage with distracting behaviours 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.
AB - 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 behaviour 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 prioritise 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 behaviours (e.g., using a smartwatch). Findings showed that government practices are believed to influence drivers’ perceptions and behaviour about distracted driving, encouraging an inaccurate perception about driver safety and with the potential to prompt drivers to engage with distracting behaviours 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.
KW - Deterrence
KW - Enforcement
KW - Impaired driving
KW - Mobile phone use
KW - Policy
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85203619063&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.aap.2024.107770
DO - 10.1016/j.aap.2024.107770
M3 - Article
C2 - 39270506
AN - SCOPUS:85203619063
SN - 0001-4575
VL - 208
JO - Accident Analysis and Prevention
JF - Accident Analysis and Prevention
M1 - 107770
ER -