A study was published last week in the United States about the effect of mobile phones on drivers. Four researchers at the University of Utah conducted the study and their findings were not surprising. They found that regardless of the type of phone used, all drivers using a phone while driving were twice as likely to drive through traffic signals; in addition, the drivers’ response time in other situations was slower than that of non-phone users. The conclusion was of course that driving while using a phone is a real danger to the user as well as to other motorists.
In Riyadh on many occasions, I have seen a driver using a mobile pull out into main streets without even looking to see if the street is clear. (Unfortunately, I have seen the same behavior on the part of a driver without a mobile phone.) Drivers with a phone clutched to their ear swerve in and out of main roads, barely missing other cars. Why are these people allowed to drive in such a manner? Shouldn’t there be regulations restricting people who use mobiles in their vehicles as well as laws protecting other motorists on the road? Many people believe there is a need for some restrictions but so far there are none.
Talal, like many others in the Kingdom, takes his mobile everywhere. “I don’t call people while I am driving but I receive calls from friends,” he says. He has a headset and sometimes uses it. “I own a headset but prefer to use my hands when I talk. I feel it is less of a distraction.” Talal is in favor of restrictions on mobile use in vehicles. “I think that talking and driving at the same time distract other drivers including myself. It is sometimes hard to focus on the road and listen to others,” he says. “I have doubts though on the idea that all mobile phone use distracts drivers. There should be studies done to look into the effects mobiles have on driving.”
In one recent article, Paul Atchley, a University of Kansas professor studying driving distractions, agrees with this study’s findings. “While no one study proves cell phone use is dangerous or distracting, when you take all the studies as a whole they point in that direction.”
Hossam thinks mobiles are convenient. “It is useful to have a mobile. My friends and family may need to reach me while I am driving,” he says. He does not own any accessories for his mobile. “I am very careful when I talk and do not talk for long periods of time.” Hossam says he supports some restrictions on the use of mobiles while driving. “I think there are some people who cannot talk and drive at the same time and something should be done to make sure they do not cause accidents. We should not, however, punish those who can talk and drive safely.”
Abdulrahman uses his mobile while driving. “I don’t like to use headsets that much.” He believes that using his mobile does distract him when he drives. “Sometimes when I talk, it is hard to watch what is going on in front of me.” He favors some regulations for mobile users. “I think it is a good idea to have restrictions on mobiles while driving but I know it would be difficult to enforce.”
There is some truth to this. Mobiles are not used for only business or pleasure. They can also be used in emergencies or in case of possible car trouble. One man told me how his vehicle got stuck in sand in the desert. It would have taken him hours, if not a full day, to walk to the main road for help. With his mobile, however, he simply called a friend, gave him directions and was out of trouble in about an hour. It is obviously difficult to put restrictions on a device that can so easily help people.
Driss uses his mobile while he is driving. “I am a businessman so I receive many calls that need immediate attention. I like to keep my hands on the wheel when I drive.” He believes that mobiles distract all drivers, himself included. “Even with a speakerphone I feel at times that my attention is not where it should be.” Driss goes on to say, “Many times I have nearly had an accident while I was talking on my phone.” He supports banning or restricting the use of mobiles in vehicles.
In many European countries there are already restrictions on mobile phone use while driving. Portugal prohibits mobile phones while driving and in Germany, it is prohibited to use a handheld mobile when driving but hands-free mobiles are allowed as long as they do not interfere with hearing. In the United States, New York has become the first state to ban the use of handheld phones in vehicles. Hands-free mobile phones are allowed.
The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) estimates that by the year 2005 there will be over one billion cell phone users in the world. As mobile phones become more and more common in the Kingdom and the number of accidents remain high, the use of mobile phones for drivers should be looked at very closely. The safety of everyone should be the top priority.
