CHARACTERIZATION OF CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING IN JORDAN

摘要

A substantial body of research has shown that the use of cell phones while driving can impairdriving performance thus representing a relevant traffic safety issue. Studies have also shownthat with the increase in cell phone general use, phoning while driving has also increased. Witharound 80% of Jordan’s population owning cell phones, phoning while driving has become alegitimate concern for potential safety hazards. In order to effectively target interventionstowards those drivers who use cell phones while driving, information is needed about thecharacteristics of these drivers. The present study investigated the extent of cell phone use onJordan’s roads and the characteristics of drivers who use cell phones while driving. The data wascollected using a questionnaire survey and analyzed to examine the relationship between phoningwhile driving and drivers’ demographics, driving experience and exposure, and thecharacteristics of users. Among all participants, the study found that those who reported the useof hands-free devices tended to use the cell phone more often and for longer durations of time.Further, male drivers tended to use the cell phone while driving more frequently and for longerdurations compared with female drivers. In regards to pulling off road while using cell phone,the study found this practice to be more prevalent with females, older drivers, and drivers withmore years of education. The study also revealed other findings that are important incharacterizing the trend of using cell phone while driving in Jordan.