What data can tell us
Whilst it is important to use data to inform our work , it is also necessary to consider the worth of that data , and what it can actually tell us about the ‘ problem ’ we think we might have . As mentioned above , data collected by the police and that used to inform DfT annual reports can be difficult to interpret , as some mobile phone use by drivers goes undetected even when a collision occurs .
Other sources simply provide KSI or crash data , which can be usefully manipulated to understand where the greatest risk for KSIs or crashes lie , but generally do not tell us whether that issue is related to mobile phones specifically . They are useful to identify where ( geographically ) or who ( in terms of age or gender ) our focus might need to be on , but more is needed to recognise whether the issue there is indeed mobile phone use by drivers , or whether by tackling that , you are ignoring a different problem . A combination of getting hold of the data , but asking questions about its relevance and value , is often the most useful and meaningful way of ‘ understanding the problem ’.
How to use data
Once you have gained access to , or created your own , data , this can be manipulated in a number of ways . The type of data and programme that it is inputted into , as well as your own talents in this area , will influence what you can do with that data and the conclusions that can be drawn from it . combined with some other form of data , such as age , gender , road location , reasons for driving , or reasons for offending , amongst a range of other pieces of information to build our understanding . The rest of this volume gives you some ideas for when you get to that point .
The more forms of other data we have to put together , the better . Age and gender are useful , as an understanding of the age group and gender most frequently associated with the risky behaviour can then help to shape what you do next and where you go to do it . This is important as research has found different forms of approach are more or less useful for different age groups and genders . Geographical location may be used to target an approach at a particular area ( whether that be as education to schools in that area , or enforcement on certain roads ). Asking people for their reasons for offending can also be interesting and helps us understand what ’ s driving the problem behaviour .
The RAC Reports on Motoring ¹ and AA Populus Polls ² provide some national data relating to driver behaviour and attitudes regarding mobile phone use by drivers .
To conduct analyses , it is necessary to have some form of primary statistic , which may include the number of deaths or injuries , the number of self-reported or observed offences , or the number of crashes linked to mobile phone use by drivers . These should be
¹ RAC ( nd ). RAC Report on Motoring . Available from : https :// www . rac . co . uk / report-on-motoring-2019 / ² AA ( nd ). AA Populus Motoring Panel . Available from : https :// www . theaa . com / about-us / public-affairs / aa-populus-motoring-panel
11