Traffic legislation pertaining to mobile phone usage in Singapore : is it effective?

• Main Authors: Kwek, Winnie, Du, Ashley, Ling, Grace
• Other Authors: Wu Yuan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/51285
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Prior research has shown that there is no significant difference in the risk of using hands-free (HF) and hands-held (HH) mobile phones while driving. This questions the effectiveness of the current traffic legislation pertaining to mobile phone usage in Singapore. Thus, this study seeks to gain insights regarding accident experience in Singapore, thereby evaluating the effectiveness of the legislation. Results in this study suggest that the difference in actual accident experiences for both types of mobile phone usage while driving is insignificant. Results have also suggested that the partial ban implemented in Singapore may mislead drivers into thinking that HF is less risky than HH mobile phone usage while driving. This study thus proposes the implementation of a total ban, coupled with measures such as imposing heavier penalties and increasing traffic patrols, as it may be the most effective solution in reducing mobile phone usage while driving. Greater efforts may also be undertaken to increase the awareness of the risk and legal consequences of mobile phone usage while driving.