The topic selected for discussion pertains to how distracted driving is to be treated at the policy level. As it stands, it is common sense that a phone may prove to be a critical distraction at the worst possible moment. If one’s hands are not on the wheel, or if their hearing and sight are compromised, they may not be able to react to a change in a situation on the road. As a result, many US states prohibit the use of phones while driving, whether for texting, talking, or viewing media (Distracted Driving, 1). At the same time, the evidence of the effectiveness of these measures is inconclusive.
The available evidence reviewed suggests that, as a policy, the ban on using phones has been successful in reducing the number of deadly car crashes. Olsson et al. indicate that while the body of data remains inconsistent, there is some evidence of potential decreases in the number of people dying in motor vehicle accidents (378). These findings are supported by Flaherty et al., who state that laws aimed at banning phone usage among young drivers have successfully reduced the overall percentage of crashes associated with this category of drivers (1). Criticism of these findings essentially amounts to the scope of the studies being limited or the evidence provided being inconclusive.
The reason it is challenging to achieve conclusive results on estimating how efficiently policies are working is that determining the frequency of phone use while driving in a large enough sample is difficult. Likewise, when it comes to car crashes, it is impossible to say for sure what influence using the phone had on the overall outcome. As a result, the majority of studies report a correlation, rather than a causal relationship, between policies and the desired effects.
Since the policy is relatively difficult to enforce, and its effects are hard to gauge, the better approach would be to inform the population about the dangers of distracted driving. The policies that ought to remain in place, for the rare occasion an individual is caught red-handed endangering others, but a widespread information campaign, in addition to existing measures, could help improve the situation. Fisa et al. report that increased public awareness has led to a higher rate of seat belt utilization (495). It can be estimated that more people would be inclined to reduce or eliminate phone usage if they were informed of the dangers.
While the focus on younger drivers is warranted, as they often lack the same level of driving experience, the policy should concern all individuals. Not only will it instill a sense of uniformity before the law, but it will also prevent the false confidence that leads even good drivers into trouble. Regarding policing and ensuring policy implementation, cameras should be installed to detect drivers using their phones while driving. Being forced to pay a fine would prevent many from getting distracted while driving.
Sources
- Bjørn Olsson, Hannah Pütz, Fabian Reitzug, David K Humphreys. 2020. Evaluating the Impact of Penalising the Use of Mobile Phones While Driving on Road Traffic Fatalities, Serious Injuries and Mobile Phone Use: A Systematic Review.
- Distracted Driving. 2023.
- Michael R. Flaherty, Alexander M. Kim, Michael D. Salt, Lois K. Lee. 2020. Distracted Driving Laws and Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities.
- Ronald Fisa, Mwiche Musukuma, Mutale Sampa, Patrick Musonda & Taryn Young. 2022. Effects of Interventions for Preventing Road Traffic Crashes: An Overview Of Systematic Reviews.