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A video resource, based on behavioral change theory, has been created to help reduce hands-free phone use among professional drivers by dispelling the myth that it is safer than using a handheld device.
Video summary
This project focused on addressing mobile phone use while driving, specifically within the context of professional drivers, building on the work of the Mobile: Engaged compendium. The project aimed to explore attitudes towards hands-free phone use and investigate the reasons behind the violation of zero-tolerance hands-free policies among commercial drivers.
The findings informed the creation of a “myth-busting” video rooted in behavioral change theory, designed to challenge these attitudes. The video is widely accessible and aims to reduce distraction-related collisions among fleet drivers across the UK.
The problem
Although hands-free calls are legal, research has shown that they can be just as distracting as handheld calls while driving.
As a result, a growing number of companies are implementing policies to ban both handheld and hands-free calls while driving for work. However, they face significant challenges in convincing drivers to comply with these policies.
The results
The resulting video, developed in collaboration with Esitu Solutions, was evaluated in a study that compared mobile phone use and attitudes toward mobile phone use (both handheld and hands-free) between a group of drivers who watched the video and a group who had not.
The analysis showed significant improvements in safety-related attitudes towards mobile phone use while driving in the intervention group compared to the control group.
When asked whether the myth-busting video had changed their understanding of the dangers of mobile phones, 95% reported that their awareness of the risks had increased, and 80% said they would limit or completely avoid hands-free mobile phone use while driving in the future.
