Factors influencing mobile phone use while driving in Singapore.

Abstract

Despite the enforcement of fines and punishment to ban the use of mobile phone while driving, such unsafe driving practice can still be frequently observed in Singapore. As such, this study aims to understand factors stimulating Singaporeans‟ decision to engage in such behavior, focusing on the inter-relationship between perceptions, intention and behavior associated with mobile phone use while driving. In addition, the effects of age, gender, work status, driving and mobile phone purposes were also explored. Results from the preliminary study examining the inter-relationship suggested that perceived importance of mobile phone use is the main predictor of behavior, with a positive correlation towards intention and behavior. Perceived risks on the other hand, had minimal influences on behavior and are negatively correlated with intention and behavior. Through further analyses, results suggested that age, driving and mobile phone use purpose were the significant driver groups who had an influence on the inter-relationship. Drivers who drive for business purposes, drivers with business mobile phone usages as well as drivers from 31 to 45 years old reported the highest level of mobile phone usage while driving. Hence, based on the findings from this study, more effective strategies could be designed and employed to encourage responsible use of mobile phone while driving.