Liz O’Donnell, the outgoing chair of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), has called for society to de-normalise the use of mobile phones while driving. She made this plea during the RSA’s yearly event at Dublin Castle which focussed on the issue of driver distraction. Recent research presented at the event indicated that 40 per cent of drivers under 35 confessed to using apps on their mobile phones while driving. A separate study by the RSA also showed a rise in mobile phone use amongst drivers on Irish roads, increasing from 6 per cent the previous year to 9 per cent.
O’Donnell highlighted the potentially fatal consequences of this behaviour, citing research stating that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident if they’re using a mobile phone. Dr Kiran Sarma of the University of Galway, who conducted research for the RSA, discovered that drivers suggested greater police presence and stricter penalties would discourage mobile phone use while driving.
In Ireland, using a mobile while driving is considered unlawful. Currently, drivers caught in the act are served with a penalty charge of €120.
Kees Verweij, a member of the Dutch policing community, informed attendees at a convention about the decision to increase the penalty for using a phone while driving to €429 in his country. Automated camera systems, now installed on many Dutch highways, have been implemented to deter motorists from phone usage. Since their introduction, these 24 camera systems have resulted in 34,000 fines being distributed to individuals caught using their phones.
At this same conference, Professor John Lee, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, acknowledged the lack of a simple solution to combat driver distraction. However, he highlighted certain mobile phone settings that can direct behaviour changes. Specifically, he referred to the ‘Driver’ setting on an iPhone that disables or restricts notifications and only allows incoming calls when the phone is paired with a hands-free device.
O’Donnell reinforced that further efforts need to be allocated towards initiatives for education and awareness. Moreover, he stressed that legislative reforms or updates would be needed to effectively enforce the use of mobile detection cameras.
Commenting on the matters discussed during the conference, Transport Minister James Lawless expressed an interest in exploring how technology could be harnessed to manage driver distraction more efficaciously.
His stated concern was that the focus of activity had shifted to our car dashboards. Even without physically holding a phone, drivers can still engage in activities like watching YouTube, chatting in a group discussion, or browsing through podcasts, all through their infotainment display right in front of them. He emphasised the need for legislative and policy adaptations to keep pace with such technological advancements.