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Alertness drops in drivers using mobile phone: study

DUBAI — Research carried out in Dubai has shown that using a mobile phone while driving reduces the driver’s alertness by 30 to 50 per cent, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.

The “Mobile Handset vs Handsfree Study” in Dubai was carried out at the Emirates Driving Institute (EDI) recently under the supervision of the UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

Andrea Akehurst, Director of Operations, RoSPA, UAE, told a Press conference at EDI yesterday that the study was conducted on 10 willing participants from a cross section of the society. “On a scale of 100 per cent, the alertness of drivers while using mobile phones was reduced by 30 to 50 per cent,” she said.

Akehurst pointed out that only half of the participants managed to have a decent conversation while talking on the phone. And only 50 per cent of the participants were alert to the obstructions put across to them as part of the test.

She said other RoSPA studies had revealed that a majority of the calls taken by drivers on a mobile are intense, complex, business-related and distracting.

Clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Raymond H Hamden of the Human Relations Institute at Dubai’s Knowledge Village said psychologists had established that drivers under stress were more likely to meet with accidents as stress levels increase during phone conversations.

“Previous research in other countries has shown that using mobile phones while driving increases blood pressure and heart rate. Driving causes anger and frustration. Therefore, mixing driving with a mobile may cause adrenaline levels to vary,” explained Dr Hamden.

Among those who took part in the study was rally champion Mohammed bin Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE. He said: “Driving in the UAE is dangerous enough due to the high-speed roads. Talking on the phone while driving adds to the risk.”

Amer Ahmed Belhasa, Managing Director of Emirates Driving Institute said: “Studies such as these are an excellent way of driving home the message that it’s the responsibility of all citizens to help make our roads accident free.”