P/PS/33. Dissertation. Investigation of negative effects of mobile phone usage while driving

The paper examines the potential negative effects of the use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving. Driving behaviour was studied using a video simulation of a car emerging from the junction; the parameters of decision-making and risk management were measured in various conditions, i.e. with and without engagement in telephone conversation. Results showed that participants subjective and physiological workload was greater when they performed the driving and phone tasks simultaneously. The results support previous studies which indicated that using a mobile phone when driving significantly impairs drivers performance. The paper concludes that in attempting to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, drivers subject themselves and other road users to unacceptable dangers.