Field Investigation on the Use of Mobile Phone While Driving

Abstract

While talking through mobile phone, drivers are much less aware of what is happening on the road around them; fail to see road signs, maintain proper lane position and steady speed; react more slowly and take longer to brake. Moreover, drivers are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic, feel more stressed and frustrated, and are more likely to tailgate the vehicle in front. This paper demonstrates field investigation undertaken at Baghdad urban area on selected driver samples of different gender and age groups, (30 of each group). A questionnaire form was designed to obtain data, which includes number of accidents participation, age, and gender. After filling the questionnaire form, the driver samples were subjected to response time test using equipment specially designed for such purpose. The response time has been noted for each driver at two stages, the first stage was at normal condition while the driver concentrates on the green and red light of the equipment, the second one was while answering a ring tone call using mobile phone. Data was analyzed and a mathematical model representing the impact of using mobile phone while driving was obtained for different age groups and gender.