Mobile phone use intention while driving among public service vehicle drivers: Magnitude and its social and cognitive determinants

Prevalence of cell phone use while driving in different urban settings. A roadside observational study in maputo city, Mozambique

Introduction

All forms of cell phone use while driving poses a threat to traffic safety. Few studies have reported the prevalence from low- and middle-income countries where the risk of severe road traffic crashes is highest. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of cell phone use among motor vehicle drivers in Maputo city, Mozambique, considering different types of vehicles and cell phone use.

Methods

A roadside observational study was conducted to assess cell phone use while driving in three typical urban environments (on straight roads, at intersections, and by roadside markets) during three daytime periods. The prevalence of use, expressed in percentages with 95 % confidence intervals, was estimated by type of vehicle and sex.

Results

An overall 9.3 % prevalence of cell phone use was observed among the 11 680 completed observations of motor vehicle drivers. Prevalence was lower at intersections and by roadside markets (7.1 % respective 7.5 %) and higher on straight roads (12.9 %) and, for men, three times as high among car drivers (10.3 %) than among drivers of motorized three-wheelers (3.3 %). Speaking/listening was more prevalent than texting/reading for both women (52.6 % vs 36.1 %) and men (46.4 % vs 40.5 %). At all three types of sites, men in trucks spoke/listened more than men in other type of vehicles while men in cars texted/read to a greater extent.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of cell phone use observed among motor vehicle drivers in Maputo city is in the upper range of those observed in high-income settings. Notwithstanding sex-related differences and variations by type of site and vehicle and coupled with the poor road safety conditions of the city - and of the country as a whole - and the imminent rise in cell phone ownership and internet connectivity, cell phone use at the wheel is a significant cause for concern and concerted actions are called for.

Predicting risky driving behaviours using the theory of planned behaviour: A meta-analysis

The current meta-analysis explored the efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in predicting high-risk driving behaviours. Specifically, we examined speeding (in relation to exceeding the limit as well as speed compliance), driving under the influence, distracted driving, and seat belt use. We searched four electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) and included original studies that quantitatively measured the relationships between the TPB variables (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control [PBC], intention, and prospective/objective behaviour). The study identified 80 records with 94 independent samples. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using the JBI checklist for cross-sectional studies and compliance with the TPB guidelines. Together, attitude, subjective norm and PBC explained between 30 % and 51 % of variance found in intention, with attitude showing as the strongest predictor for intention across the different driving behaviours. The findings also showed that the model explained 36 %-48 % variance found in predicting the observed and/or prospective behaviours for distracted driving, speed compliance and speeding. Understanding the varying strengths and thus relative importance of TPB constructs in predicting different risky driving behaviours is crucial for developing targeted road safety interventions.

Distracted on duty: A theory-based exploration of influences leading to mobile phone distracted riding among food delivery workers

Using mobile phones while riding is a form of distracted riding that significantly elevates crash risk. Regrettably, the factors contributing to mobile phone use while riding (MPUWR) among food delivery riders remain under-researched. Addressing this literature gap, the current study employs the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and various socio-economic factors to examine the determinants of MPUWR. The research incorporates data from 558 delivery workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study utilizes two analytical methods to empirically test the hypotheses, considering non-linear relationships between variables: Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results reveal mixed impacts of factors connected to job resources. Although social support appears to deter MPUWR, work autonomy and rewards seemingly encourage it. Furthermore, a predisposition towards risk-taking behaviour significantly impacts the frequency of mobile phone usage among delivery riders. Interestingly, riders with higher incomes and those who have previously been fined by the police exhibit more frequent mobile phone use. The findings of this study present valuable insights into the crucial factors to be addressed when designing interventions aimed at reducing phone use among food delivery riders.

Different types of mobile phone use while driving and influencing factors on intention and behavior: Insights from an expanded theory of planned behavior

Mobile phone use while driving (MPUWD) is a significant concern due to its negative impact on road safety. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess different types of MPUWD and identify factors influencing intention and behavior among drivers in Zahedan. A total of 392 participants provided information on demographic and driving characteristics, as well as constructs derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) augmented with moral norms. Findings revealed that a majority of drivers (86.4%) engaged in MPUWD, primarily involving calling, using applications, and texting. However, most participants did not intend to use their phones while driving in the following week. Multiple regression analysis identified age, receiving driving fines, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control as significant predictors of intention for MPUWD. Additionally, factors such as age, receiving driving fines, driving hours, car gearbox type, attitude, perceived behavior control, behavioral intention, and moral norm were significant predictors of actual MPUWD. Older participants demonstrated better behavior in various mobile phone activities while driving. Overall, the study emphasized that the main TPB constructs and moral norms have a greater influence compared to other variables in predicting MPUWD. Perceived behavioral control was the most important predictor of the intention and behavior of MPUWD. Understanding these factors can guide efforts to discourage MPUWD through targeted interventions and strategies to promote safer driving practices.