Drivers refuse to hang up cellphones despite dangers

By STUART DYE


More than half of New Zealand motorists will chat freely on their cellphones while driving, says a Massey University study.

Most of them also drive faster than average and do not believe talking on the phone while behind the wheel is dangerous.

The survey, by Dr Mark Sullman, shows that despite research relating to cellphone accidents, and the bans on using them while driving in other countries, 57 per cent of people refuse to hang up the habit.

Those who reported using a cellphone while driving tended to be young men living in urban areas with large-engined, late-model cars. They also preferred higher driving speeds and had less driving experience.

"In line with previous research, there was also a significant relationship between crash involvement and use of a mobile phone whilst driving," said Dr Sullman.

Using a cellphone while driving is illegal in Britain and most of Australia. But a consultation document from the Land Transport Safety Authority does not recommend a ban in New Zealand.

Cellphones were recorded as a factor in 32 injury accidents in New Zealand in 2001, compared with an average of nine a year in the five years to 1997.

Fatal crashes have increased from an average of one a year in the five years to 1999 to five in 2001.

The study was prompted by anecdotal experiences of drivers using their phones failing to indicate and disobeying basic road rules.

The survey, produced in collaboration with Transport Engineering Research New Zealand, involved 1700 people.