Australian Drivers Ready to Embrace Phone Restriction Apps -- If They Can Still Talk
Staff ReporterAlmost 70 percent of drivers would be willing to install smartphone apps that block texting and browsing according to new QUT research - but only if they can still do hands-free calls and listen to Bluetooth music.
QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland (CARRS-Q) surveyed 712 drivers for a national study into voluntary apps that restrict certain phone uses to combat distracted driving.
Study leader Dr. Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios said 68 percent were willing to use an app that blocked text messaging, web browsing and email features, so long as it still allowed hands-free calls.
But only 37 percent were prepared to embrace the idea if calls were blocked completely.
Retaining the ability to use music-playing functions was also important to app acceptance.
When it came to how they already used their phones in the car, the survey found most drivers stuck to hands-free conversations.
But 17 percent confessed to doing 'visual-manual tasks' that involved touching their phone, such as texting, browsing and emailing.
Fifteen percent reported occasionally looking at their phone for more than two seconds, and 19 percent said they occasionally monitored/read conversations without writing back.
"Mobile phone use is so ingrained in our society that completely stopping people from using their phones while driving is an extremely difficult task," Dr. Oviedo-Trespalacios said.
"Using voluntary apps that restrict some phone functions is emerging as a practical new countermeasure to limit distracted driving.
"Existing studies have shown that mobile phone use behind the wheel is a significant contributor to road trauma. Police crash reports in the USA have estimated that phone distraction contributes to 18 percent of fatal crashes."
Only 40 percent of drivers surveyed in the CARRS-Q study had heard about voluntary apps to prevent mobile phone distracted driving, and 10 percent said they had already tried the technology.
The most common app already in use was iPhone's Do Not Disturb While Driving, with a few people also using Android Auto, Waze, Truemotion Family, RoadMode or a vehicle interface that restricted phone functions.
"Overall, our study found that familiarity and actual use of these types of apps was low, which means a lot more work is needed increase public knowledge and acceptance of these technologies," Dr. Oviedo-Trespalacios said.
"The good news is that once drivers learned about these apps, there was a willingness to use them.
"But for the apps to gain acceptance, it's important that they retain hands-free calling and music functions, while still limiting the most dangerous actions - actually touching the phone to text, email, and scroll.
"I would also advocate an opt-out system, rather than opt-in, for pre-installed driver safety apps on phones as this would encourage greater use."
© Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.most read
more stories from News
With Google Messages, you can now enjoy a new audio recorder and voice moods, enhancing your messaging experience. Check it out today!
ernest hamiltonThe iOS 17.5 RC release brings several enhancements, including updates to the Podcasts widget, an improved unwanted tracking system, Repair State mode, and more.
ernest hamiltonThe decision to revoke export licenses to Huawei could have significant implications for chip sales by Intel and Qualcomm in the US.
ernest hamiltonExperience innovation like never before with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 Series, set to introduce the groundbreaking 'Battery AI' feature. Learn more in our latest article!
ernest hamiltonThe leaked promo images of the Sony Xperia 1 VI reveal exciting details ahead of its launch. Dive into the details in our latest article!
ernest hamiltonGoogle's enhancement of the two-factor authentication setup process gives users more control over their security. Learn how in our latest article!
ernest hamiltonSamsung might switch from AMD RDNA cores to an in-house GPU for the Exynos 2600 SoC. Stay tuned for updates.
ernest hamiltonDiscover the latest: Google Maps gets a major redesign! Explore the updates in action on Android.
ernest hamilton