Can’t text, I’m driving – Factors influencing intentions to text while driving in the UK

Sullman, Mark J. M.; Przepiórka, Aneta; Błachnio, Agata; Hill, Tetiana · 2021 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2021.106027

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Summary

This study investigates the psychological factors influencing UK drivers' intentions to use mobile phones, specifically to send and read text messages, while driving. Despite established evidence that handheld phone use significantly increases crash risk and is illegal in many jurisdictions, prevalence remains high. The research addresses the gap in understanding why drivers continue this behavior by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to examine how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (PBC) predict intentions. Additionally, the study assesses whether perceptions of risk (crashing and police apprehension) predict intentions beyond the standard TPB variables. The researchers employed a convenience sampling method to recruit 314 licensed UK drivers who owned mobile phones and had driven within the last six months. Participants completed an online survey assessing their intentions across four specific driving scenarios that varied by vehicle speed (60 mph vs. stopped at traffic lights) and time pressure (running late vs. not in a hurry). The instrument measured general intentions to use a phone, as well as specific intentions to send or read texts, alongside TPB constructs and risk perceptions. Hierarchical linear regressions were used to analyze the data, controlling for demographic variables such as age, gender, and driving purpose. The results indicated that younger age was a significant predictor of general intentions to use a mobile phone while driving. For general phone use, positive attitudes and higher perceived behavioural control were significant predictors, whereas subjective norms were not. When analyzing intentions to send or read text messages across the four scenarios, positive attitudes emerged as the most consistent and significant predictor. Surprisingly, neither perceived behavioural control nor subjective norms significantly predicted intentions to text. Intentions to read and send texts were highest when drivers were stopped at traffic lights and lowest when driving at speed. Crucially, perceptions of risk—specifically the likelihood of crashing and being apprehended by police—significantly predicted intentions to read texts in all scenarios and to send texts in two scenarios, adding explanatory power beyond the TPB variables. The study concludes that interventions to reduce texting while driving should primarily target attitudinal change, as positive attitudes are the strongest driver of this behavior. Furthermore, because risk perceptions significantly influence intentions, campaigns should aim to increase drivers' awareness of both crash risks and legal consequences. The findings suggest that drivers engage in tactical self-regulation, using phones when driving demands are low, but that this does not eliminate the need for broader educational efforts to shift the perceived benefits and risks associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel.

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Topics

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• mobile phones
• distraction laws
• passenger effects
• acceptance adoption

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model