• Many drivers seem to have been influenced by media representations of roads policing as unpopular and unjustified . However , we know that there is also a lot of support ‘ out there ’, as evidenced by things like dash cam ( third party ) reporting projects . It is worth pointing out how many drivers are now equipping themselves with dash cams and helmet cam technologies to help co-produce road safety with the police . There is plenty of academic literature supporting the idea that most people want to be part of the ‘ in-group ’, so if we can create the impression that the majority are law-abiding and endorse roads policing , the social norms perspective tells us that they should want to join that group and distance themselves from the ‘ out-group ’ of offenders .
“ I thought it was OK to use it whilst stuck in traffic ”
“ I have to work while I ’ m on the road ”
• This was a particularly common misconception that we discovered during the research and seems to stem from a mixture of lack of awareness of the law , and ‘ common sense ’ logic that says that this is a harmless activity . It ’ s important to explain to drivers it is unsafe to use a phone whilst the vehicle is not moving , not just to point out that that is the law . Even stationary users can make mistakes and respond inappropriately because their concentration has been diverted to their phone . They can drive off at the wrong time , make sudden lane changes , fail to see vulnerable road users and miss changing traffic lights , for example .
• It is also worth reminding these drivers that their internal conversation with themselves about mobile use should be about safety and not legality - their primary motivation should be safe driving , not what they think they can and cannot ‘ get away with ’ according to the law . Putting the phone out of reach is one of the more effective strategies that this group can be offered , alongside reminders within the car of why they need to resist temptation even when sitting around apparently doing nothing .
• Individuals that claim this need to be reminded of the legal and employment consequences associated with offending . You could ask them how they would get to work or do their job if they didn ’ t have a driving license . Some drivers would lose their job if they accumulated points on their license . There ’ s no point using the excuse of trying to keep your job to justify doing something that puts your job at risk !
• Suggest an App or phone setting that automatically sends a message to a caller informing them that they are driving , and that safety is important
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