This report outlines possible means to reduce the dangerous usage of mobile phones and other communication devices while driving, while at the same time preserve the positive effects. The suggested countermeasures cover several areas and are intended to function as alternatives to banning device usage. One is technical solutions, including countermeasures directed towards the infrastructure, the vehicle and the communication device. Another area includes education and information and describes different ways to increase knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, there are different possibilities for how society can influence the behaviour of individuals, both via bans, recommendations and incentives. The authors want to point out that the usage of communication devices while driving has both advantages and disadvantages. How to deal with device usage is a complex problem, and it is unlikely that one single countermeasure can provide a complete solution. One countermeasure may even depend on the implementation of others. The exact effect of most countermeasures is hard to predict, and possible side effects may occur. It is therefore necessary to be pragmatic, meaning that countermeasures whose advantages outweigh their disadvantages should be implemented. Also, different countermeasures can reinforce each other which may attenuate negative side effects. The individual countermeasures use different approaches to reduce the dangerous usage of communication devices. Education and information mainly aim at changing the attitude and opinion about communication device usage while driving, both on a societal and an individual level. Another goal is to eradicate misconceptions and to increase the knowledge about which behaviour can be dangerous in which situations. Financial incentives can strengthen the driver’s motivation to adopt safer behavioural strategies with respect to communication device usage while driving. A financial profit may lead to sustained behavioural changes. This is a good complement to the changes in attitude brought about by education and information. Technical solutions are needed in order to couple for example insurance rates to individual communication device usage. Technical solutions can facilitate other countermeasures, but they also have a great potential to support and help the driver directly. Countermeasures include situation based adaptation of device functionality, real-time distraction warnings, safety nets and features built into the vehicle and into the infrastructure, and automatic information exchange between infrastructure, vehicles and communication devices to facilitate the driver’s ability to foresee critical situations. Many research and development projects are already initiated, and especially for the technical sector guidance in the right direction is important. This can only be achieved with continuous evaluation of technical achievements. Legal initiatives need to be phrased such that it addresses negligent behaviour rather than the usage of a certain device. Such a formulation can be normative and provide clearer rules and standards to deal with dangerous communication device usage. Legislation can also be used to promote safe systems, a safe infrastructure, safe users and therefore safe communication. (Author/publisher) This report may be accessed by Internet users at http://www.vti.se/en/publications/countermeasures-against-dangerous-use…
Abstract