Although having a mobile phone in the car can often play a life-saving role such as in security situations (theft) or in an emergency situation, their use has also proven to be a direct cause of motor vehicle accidents.
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In Australia, it is illegal for a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone while the car is moving or when the car is stationary, such as at traffic lights (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003). In Queensland, the maximum fine for using a mobile telephone whilst driving is $1,500 (AussieLegal.com.au, 2003).
Two types of interference can arise by using mobile phones when driving: peripheral and central. The most obvious one is peripheral interference. This occurs when “a driver attempts to operate a vehicle and handles a hand-held mobile phone at the same time� (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003). This distraction physically reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly if necessary as only one hand is being used to drive the vehicle. In contrast, central interference occurs when the demands of thinking and making conversation mentally challenge the driver and therefore increases driver distraction and his/her ability to quickly and properly comprehend a change in the road situation (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2003).
Therefore, while hands-free equipment may seem a perfect alternative while driving, this is not necessarily the case. According to Professor Tom Triggs of Monash University's Accident Research Centre, keeping both hands on the wheel is the least demanding task when driving a car (Australian Injury Prevention Network, 2001). Scanning the road ahead, the surrounding environment, using the rear vision mirror, and deciding what path to take are more demanding aspects (Australian Injury Prevention Network, 2001). Unlike changing a CD, playing with the radio, or talking to another person present in the car, mobile phone conversations (even when using hands-free) require a very high level of processing ability that demand people listen all the time.
A case-crossover study of mobile phones and motor vehicle collisions was undertaken by researchers, Redelmeier and Tibshirani. The study involved 699 drivers who had mobile phones and were involved in motor vehicle collisions resulting in extensive property damage, but no personal injury (Redelmeier and Tibshirani, 1997: 453). The study analyzed each person’s mobile phone calls on the day of the collision and during the previous week through the use of detailed billing records. Results of the study showed that the risk of a collision was four times greater when the driver was using a mobile phone, or soon after a call had concluded (Rothman, 2000: 1837). The results also indicated that using the mobile phone in hands-free mode was just as risky as holding the mobile phone with one hand (Rothman, 2000: 1837).
In Australia, employing a hands-free kit is the only legal option if using a mobile phone whilst driving. Otherwise, it is highly recommended for drivers to park their car in a proper parking area/space to make or receive calls. The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (2003) developed several safety precautions for drivers.
Firstly, avoid calling in heavy traffic or weather conditions. Secondly, the driver should avoid complex or emotional conversations that will affect his/her concentration levels. Thirdly, use mobile phones with voice-activated dialing and automatic answering features to pick up important calls. Fourthly, plan ahead by making calls during rest breaks or when car is in a parked position. Lastly, never take notes, look up phone numbers and read or text messages.
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
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Naomi 16:46, 26 Oct 2004 (EST)
