Many recent investigations and reports revealed that mobile phone use while driving may seriously affect traffic safety. The increase rate of mobile phone ownership in Taiwan was the first among Asian countries for year 2000, with about 4 sets per 5 persons. A study was initiated by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to examine and investigate the influence of mobile phone use while driving in order to determine the legislation needs. Data were collected in four areas: driving reaction test using a simulator, accident reports, questionnaires to drivers involving an accident, and a general public opinion survey. It was found from the driving simulator test that the reaction time for drivers using mobile phones is significantly longer. Age and gender were also found to affect the reaction time. For a four-month period in three selected cities, 3,075 accident reports were examined to reveal that either involved driver carried a mobile phone in 676 cases, and either involved driver was using it in 133 cases. Unsurprisingly, drivers who do not own mobile phones are more inclined to support the ban of using mobile phones while driving. Although the majority of the general public is aware of the adverse effects of using a mobile phone while driving, only 44.2 percent of the responders support a legislative ban. Based on the conclusions of this study, the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan passed a law to ban the use of handheld mobile phones while driving in January 2, 2001. For a compulsory three-month campaign, the regulation will be in force from September 1, with a violation fine of NT$3,000 (approximate to US$90) for drivers and NT$1,000 for motorcyclists. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting