Factors Influence the Use of Mobile Phone While Driving Among Malaysian Young Drivers

Abstract

Road traffic accidents are among the ten most common causes of death globally, and in most cases, driver behaviour is the cause of road accidents. In this era of technology, mobile phone is widely used in vehicles.  Mobile phone companies create many services that are beneficial for drivers. Thus, the risk exposure of mobile phone use while driving is bound to increase. In particular, mobile phone use while driving has been recognised as one of the major forms that may distract drivers. This study aimed to study the factors that influence mobile phone use while driving among young Malaysian drivers. Aker's Social Learning Theory was used to explain the factors, including knowledge of traffic law, parents, and peers. The study was based on a self-administered questionnaire survey among 384 young Malaysian drivers aged 18-25 years in the central region who owned mobile phones and drove a car. The results found that traffic rules knowledge, parents, and peers have a significant relationship with mobile phone usage while driving. The findings suggested that road safety campaigns and advocacy could focus on young drivers and increase the knowledge about the consequences of using mobile phones while driving and developing a safe culture in the family and communities.