Journal article
Driving through a pandemic: A study of speeding and phone use while driving during COVID-19 restrictions
Traffic Injury Prevention, Vol.22(8), pp.605-610
2021
PMID: 34663146
Appears in COVID-19 Research
Abstract
Objectives: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were implemented, however, data indicates road crash rates have not decreased proportionately to the decline in traffic density. This study explored how speeding and phone use while driving (road behaviors associated with a high crash risk) changed as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland.
Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in Queensland, Australia to examine self-reported changes in speeding and phone use while driving before, during and after the easing of restrictions (while also considering exposure to the road and driving location). Study 1 (n = 351) was conducted between 12 May and 12 June 2020, when the majority of COVID-19 restrictions were enforced. Study 2 (n = 427) was conducted between 24 June and 12 August 2020, when restrictions were easing.
Results: The findings indicated, overall, self-reported speeding and phone use significantly decreased during restrictions (likely due to reduced travel), but not for those who continued to drive regularly. There was an additional, significant self-reported decrease in phone use while driving after restrictions were eased when compared to engagement during restrictions, which may (in part) be due to the simultaneous introduction of roadside mobile phone detection cameras.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of visible deterrence and provide a glimpse of possible consequences if there is a more sustained reduction in policing presence on roads.
Details
- Title
- Driving through a pandemic: A study of speeding and phone use while driving during COVID-19 restrictions
- Authors
- Verity Truelove (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationNatalie Watson-Brown (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationEmily Parker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationJames Freeman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationJeremy Davey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research Collaboration
- Publication details
- Traffic Injury Prevention, Vol.22(8), pp.605-610
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1080/15389588.2021.1980213
- ISSN
- 1538-957X
- PMID
- 34663146
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99578905902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Transportation
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