Use of mobile telephones during driving affects driver behaviour in such a way that it may contribute to an accident. This was the main conclusion in a 1993 RfT Working Document. However, at the same time we also concluded that we could not demonstrate that drivers' telephone use resulted in more traffic accidents. At the request of the Danish Ministry of Transport, RfT has now completed a follow-up literature review on the subject. The Ministry wanted an assessment based on the most recent research in the field, including the needs of introducing safety measures, if required. According to a number of new investigation results, RfT recommends to consider the following measures: (1) a ban to use telephones that are not hand-free; (2) a more detailed information to drivers about purchase, installation and use during driving; (3) a car telephone design that ensures a safer interface between driver and mobile telephone; and (4) a routine that ensures registration of telephone use in case of an accident. (A)
Abstract