Large-Scale Observational Study of Drivers’ Cell Phone Use

This report details the 2012 observational study used to determine drivers’ cell phone use in Massachusetts; the study was completed as a component of the annual seat belt observation study by the University of Massachusetts Traffic Safety Research Program. This study identified the magnitude of risky driving behavior throughout Massachusetts. The location, the time of day, and the direction of travel for each observation were determined by random selection with consideration given to the region's fatality rate and length of roadway. Throughout the state, the drivers’ cell phone use at any given daylight hour was determined; the timing allowed for comparisons between different populations. The apparent cell phone use of 17,677 drivers was observed at 145 locations, with a finding of an average cell phone use of 7.0%, a handheld use of 5.6%, and a text messaging use of 1.4%. Females were observed having handheld conversations at a greater rate than males, but there was little difference in text messaging use. Teens were observed text messaging more often than adults and elders, while the handheld conversation rate was similar for teens and adults. Drivers observed wearing seat belts had a lower cell phone use than those who were not wearing seat belts, for text messaging and handheld conversations. Notable variations in cell phone use were identified across various driver demographics, road types, and times of observation and furthered the understanding of drivers’ cell phone use and providing an opportunity for targeted countermeasures.