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Article
Predictors and Risk Perceptions of Using Cell Phones while Driving among Young Adult Drivers
Author(s)
Scarlett Mia S. Tabuñar
Full-Text PDF XML 641 Views
DOI:10.17265/2328-2142/2019.02.003
Affiliation(s)
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, UP-College of Medicine, Manila 1000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The Philippines is expecting a rise in the number of drivers that use
mobile phones while driving. It is known as the “texting capital of the world”. The objectives of this study were to determine the predictors, risk
perceptions and the prevalence of cell phone use while driving among trainee
residents of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital.
This cross-sectional study employed total enumeration. A survey was first
distributed to the target population, followed by a focus group discussion.
Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze data. Included in
the final analysis were 175 drivers aged 25-30 years (mean=27.90 +1.34).
There was no significant difference in the risk perceptions of cell phone users
vs. non-users, and most perceived hands-free devices safer to use (p=0.030). The reported prevalence is
90.68%; drivers have a significant overall unsafe attitude (p=0.007), and an unsafe attitude when
using handsets when driving, even when this is known to be dangerous (p=0.003). In conclusion, driving with
hands-free devices was perceived to be safer, although drivers have a high
overall unsafe attitude. Driving for more than two years and having an unsafe attitude were found
to be significant predictors of cell phone use while driving. Countermeasures
must take into account these factors when instituting behavioral modification
strategies and road safety policies concerning unsafe and distracted driving.
KEYWORDS
Attitude, cell phone use while driving, driving experience, distracted driving, risk perceptions, young adult drivers.
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