Evaluation of a Conceptual Warning System for Mobile Phone Use While Driving to Increase Public Awareness

Abstract

Mobile phone use during driving continues to remain a cause in vehicular accidents. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a conceptual, in-vehicle warning design to increase public awareness of the consequences of mobile phone use while driving. Warning messages were designed for both the driver and incoming callers, and were presented to 24 potential users to assess their effectiveness. Survey responses provide preliminary support for the use of the in-vehicle phone warning system. Many of the respondents underestimated statistics relating to vehicular deaths and mobile phone use. Additionally, 54% of the respondents indicated that they would not call someone who is driving, 42% believed that these messages will increase public awareness of the risks of phone use during driving, and 28% indicated they would stop phone use while driving based on the suggested design.

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