Perceived risk of phoning while driving: A case study from Jordan

• Published in: Safety science Vol. 78; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Ismeik, Muhannad, Al-Kaisy, Ahmed, Al-Ansari, Khalid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier India Pvt Ltd 01.10.2015
• Subjects: Cell phones; Crash; Crashes; Driving; Laws; Mobile phone; Risk; Risk perception; Samples; Statistical analysis; Statistical methods; Survey; Traffic safety; Driving; Mobile phone; Crash; Survey; Traffic safety
• ISSN: 0925-7535; 1879-1042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2015.02.011

•The use of a mobile phone while driving is a major safety problem in Jordan.•Data were collected to determine the prevalence and perceived risk of such a practice.•Statistical analyses identified the demographics and exposure characteristics of users.•An alarming rate of 93.1% of drivers, mostly young male college students, engaged in this hazardous behavior.•Three initiatives for countermeasures were proposed. The use of mobile phones while driving is banned in most countries since it impairs driving performance and is believed to increase crash risk. The aim of this research is to identify the prevalence of phoning while driving in Jordan and to examine the association between drivers’ perception of risk and potential predicting variables. A sample of 423 drivers was surveyed to gather information on their mobile phone use while driving as well as their risk perception. Data collection took place anonymously at diverse locations through a self-report questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to highlight the association between risk levels and drivers’ demographics and exposure characteristics. An alarming rate of 93.1% of drivers, mostly young male college students, engaged in this unsafe behavior despite being aware of the associated risk and legislative laws. Findings suggested gender, employment status, age, education level, driving experience, and daily traveled distance were associated with mobile phone use while driving. Recommendations to enhance traffic safety were proposed and further research directions were highlighted.