Hanging on the telephone: Mobile phone use patterns among UK-based business travellers on work-related journeys

There is currently only limited understanding of the driving-related phone use patterns of business travellers. This paper addresses this gap in knowledge by presenting the findings of a UK-based study on the extent to which, and ways in which, people on work-related journeys use mobile phones while driving. A sample of 149 UK drivers who used a particular motorway service station were surveyed, with follow up interviews being conducted with 15 survey respondents. It was found that such drivers made frequent and extensive use of mobile phones, with over 50% of survey respondents being categorized as ‘serial users’ of mobile phones while driving. Survey analysis also found that male drivers were significantly more likely than female drivers to be serial users. The interviews that were conducted highlighted the complexity of the decision making process drivers typically undertook in deciding whether and how to use their phones, which took account of factors such as the nature of road conditions and the type of call to be made or taken.

► A large proportion of workers make use of mobile phones while driving.
► Male workers are more likely than female ones to use mobile phones while driving.
► Many factors influence worker’s decisions about using mobile phones while driving.