Interpolis SlimOpWeg programme: the AutoModus app; Survey into the effect of an app on reducing smartphone use while driving a car. Within the programme SlimOpWeg the Dutch insurance company Interpolis had a smartphone app developed. The purpose of this ‘AutoModus app’ is to help young drivers to reduce their smartphone use behind the wheel, as distraction by mobile phone use is a major road safety problem. Interpolis asked SWOV to investigate the effectiveness of two versions of the app: 1. a version in which one receives compliments by not using the smartphone while driving, and 2. a version in which one also receives points to exchange for gifts in addition to getting compliments. Both versions of the app were found to reduce self-reported smartphone use in the car significantly. The apps also reduced the score on smartphone addiction, and they strengthened the degree of risk perception, i.e. the extent to which smartphone use while driving is considered to be dangerous. Participants in the rewards group who used the app longer, reduced their smartphone use somewhat more than participants in this group who used the app for a briefer period. Participants in the compliments group reduced their smartphone use regardless of how long they used the app. To date no research had been done in the Netherlands into the effects of apps in reducing phone use among road users. This questionnaire study on the Interpolis app is the first study in which this effect has been investigated.
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