Many European countries have imposed bans on hand-held mobile phones while driving. Epidemiological studies have indicated that use of mobile phones while driving increases the risk of an accident, but it has been difficult to establish a clear relationship between mobile phone use and accidents. A study was conducted to investigate the use of mobile phones among professional drivers in Denmark. Data were collected by questionnaires sent to 2000 members of the General Workers Union register of truck drivers in Denmark. The study examined the extent of mobile phone use, variations in mobile phone use according to age and number of stops during a working day,the relationship between mobile phone use and perceived driving performance, and the installation and use of other communication devices. Use of mobile phones while driving was an integrated working tool for most drivers.The risk of accidents was greatest among younger drivers and those with alarge number of stops. Almost one third of the drivers sampled used handheld phones, despite their use being banned in Denmark. Measures for reducing mobile phone use are discussed. For the covering entry of this conference please see ITRD E132365
Samenvatting