Preventing traffic accidents by mobile phone users

Broader measures are needed to reduce road trauma related to mobile phone use

The effect of mobile phone use on driving performance and safety has been a major focus of distraction research. Around 94% of Australians (19 million) own a mobile phone,1 and the capabilities of these devices are rapidly expanding. They can be used to talk, read and send text messages, download and play video clips from the Internet, navigate to chosen destinations, and perform other functions.2 When used while driving, they are capable of distracting drivers by taking drivers’ eyes off the road (eg, when reading a text message), taking their attention off the road (eg, when talking), and physically interfering with vehicle control (eg, when reaching to answer the phone while steering).