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Journal of Public Health

01-04-2010 | Original Article

Mobile phone use while driving: a major public health problem in an Arabian society, State of Qatar—mobile phone use and the risk of motor vehicle crashes

Authors: Abdulbari Bener, David Crundall, Türker Özkan, Timo Lajunen

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the rate of mobile phone use among drivers who were involved in road traffic crashes and to determine the factors associated with mobile phone use in Qatar.

Methods

Structured interviews were conducted and participants were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning socio-demographics, driving attitudes and behaviour, adherence to traffic laws and mobile phone use. The study was conducted from December 2004 to June 2005 during which 1,139 drivers were asked to participate in the study and 822 drivers expressed their consent and met the inclusion criteria with a response rate of 72%.

Results

There was a high rate of mobile phone use among individuals associated with crashes (73.2%). Of 602 drivers, 497 (82.6%) used handheld mobile phones without any extra add-on equipment. A stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the vehicle type (four-wheel drive vs small car), excessive speeding, educational level and running a red light were statistically significant factors associated with mobile phone use among drivers who were involved in road traffic crashes.

Conclusion

Use of mobile phones while driving in Qatar is very high and poses a high risk for violations and motor vehicle crashes. These conclusions are discussed with reference to current interventions and safety regulations that are being launched.
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Metadata
Title
Mobile phone use while driving: a major public health problem in an Arabian society, State of Qatar—mobile phone use and the risk of motor vehicle crashes
Authors
Abdulbari Bener
David Crundall
Türker Özkan
Timo Lajunen
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-009-0286-1