Challenging the challenges
As part of this engagement process , we became aware that certain recurring ‘ challenges ’ were made by drivers when it was suggested that they refrain from using a mobile phone while driving . This was the case across social media , in public comments on media articles , and particularly in situations where there were opportunities for direct contact between drivers and practitioners . Drivers can be defensive or show resistance to the core message , and it is important that ( given the fact that other people may be ‘ listening in ’ in an actual or virtual sense ) these challenges are themselves challenged . If we leave a criticism without a response , the implication is given that there is no response - that the challenger has won .
Here we have listed a number of challenges that have become familiar to us whilst working on this project and - in response to requests from the innovators we met - we have offered some responses that may be used to tackle them :
“ I fear missing out ”
“ It could be an important family call ”
• This response ( known as ‘ FOMO ’ - fear of missing out ) is particularly associated with younger drivers who have grown up in a world where instant contact and constant interconnectedness is an expectation . These individuals are likely to use a mobile phone for social media and actions other than calling and texting . It may be worth pointing out what they would miss out in if they were in an accident , or even if they were in prison - using the power of FOMO to urge drivers to focus on their long term life goals and ambitions , rather than a fear of missing out on an Instagram of someone ’ s new eyebrows ( for example ). Use their fear of missing out to motivate safe behaviour , rather than unsafe behaviour .
• Short-term fear appeals (‘ you might crash ’) may not work as well with this sort of challenger , as the fear of missing a call or notification might seem more real ( especially if the individual has used their phone for some time without experiencing any negative outcome ). Individuals who make this challenge may benefit from an application or setting that silences a phone , so that they are unaware of any incoming notifications , reducing the temptation to identify a caller or read a message ( see below ).
• Ask these individuals what could possibly be more important than making it home to those family members that may be calling , or how they would be helping their friend if they were in an accident . What would their family do if that individual did not come home because they were in a collision , or were imprisoned for dangerous driving ? If someone needs you in an emergency it ’ s because they need you -alive . It is worth getting the challenger to state the consequences for themselves
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