The use of electronic communication devices (ECDs) such as cell phones, smart phones, and tablets by drivers has been found to increase the likelihood of motor vehicle crashes in a number of epidemiological studies. In Canada, the use of ECDs has been measured as part of a national seat belt use survey in the past. The last time that ECD use was observed an estimated 3.6% of drivers were talking on cell phones in rural areas in 2009 and 3.3% were using them in urban areas in 2010. Given that most Canadian jurisdictions have passed legislation prohibiting the use of hand-held devices by drivers, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) was interested in whether there has been a change in the use of these devices. A survey of drivers at urban sites that was conducted in September 2012 estimated that 4.6% of drivers were using hand-held ECDs. An observational survey was conducted at 252 rural sites (i.e., in communities with population of 1,000 to 10,000) across Canada during September 2013 to have a more complete picture of driver ECD use in Canada. A total of 33,483 drivers of light duty vehicles were observed while they were stopped at a traffic light or a stop sign. Whether they were using a hand-held ECD was recorded as well as the type of usage (i.e., speaking, typing/texting, both), driver age and sex, number of passengers in the vehicle, and type of vehicle. The data were weighted to obtain estimates of the percentage of drivers using ECDs and the type of ECD use. The data are presented nationally, by jurisdiction, and by various subgroups (i.e., age, sex, etc.). The national rural survey results show that an estimated 3.5% (± 0.1%) of the drivers used an ECD, varying by jurisdiction from 1.4 to 26.7%. ECD use was more frequent among young drivers (<25 years of age) and drivers without passengers. It was somewhat more frequent by female drivers, and somewhat less frequent by drivers of vans and SUVs. ECDs were used for talking by 2% of drivers and for typing/texting by 1% of drivers. Nationally, the use of hand-held ECDs for talking was 30% lower in 2013 than that observed in 2006. A detailed analysis of drivers talking on ECDs before and after laws prohibiting their use came into effect indicated that their usage in rural areas was significantly lower after the laws came into effect in four jurisdictions (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta). (Author/publisher)
Abstract