Novel Swedish approach to cell phone use while driving

Sweden’s National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) is publishing a new report showing ways to improve road safety. Of note is the fact that the report does not recommend a ban on mobile phone use while driving. Instead, VTI believes that a package measures can train and support drivers to manage communications more safety. According to VTI, this will be more effective than a ban on the use of cell phones at the wheel. VTI claims that more information will enable drivers to understand when it is d
April 25, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Sweden’s National Road and Transport Research Institute (5230 VTI) is publishing a new report showing ways to improve road safety. Of note is the fact that the report does not recommend a ban on mobile phone use while driving. Instead, VTI believes that a package measures can train and support drivers to manage communications more safety. According to VTI, this will be more effective than a ban on the use of cell phones at the wheel. VTI claims that more information will enable drivers to understand when it is dangerous to use mobile phones while driving. In addition, VTI suggests that mobile phones could be adapted so only certain functions are available depending on the current traffic situation, and can warn drivers if they become distracted. The report also believes mobile handsets could help drivers to interpret the traffic situation through an exchange of information between infrastructure, vehicles and mobile units. According to VTI potential legislation should be technology-neutral and focus on reckless behaviour rather than the use of mobile devices while driving.

Related Content

  • November 29, 2016
    Dutch government wants to ban mobile phone use in cars
    The Dutch government is looking into measures to cut the number of deaths and injuries caused by drivers being distracted by their phones, transport minister Melanie Schultz told Algemeen Dagblad. This could mean that mobile phone manufacturers could be required to fit devices that stop people using their handsets while driving. Currently motorists only break the law if they pick up the phone while driving, but the government says research shows that even hands-free use significantly increases the ris
    Read More
  • August 26, 2016
    Vaisala: Weather data is vital for connected vehicles
    Vaisala’s Dr Kevin Petty explains why the weather will continue to play a big part in road safety and traffic management in the smart cities of the future. The world is becoming increasingly connected. Thanks to advances in information and communications technology, the cities we live in are becoming ‘smart’, with everything from education to law enforcement managed by integrated tech solutions in a bid to improve quality of life.
    Read More
  • July 17, 2012
    Development of cooperative driving applications for work zones
    The German AKTIV project is researching several cooperative driving applications for use in work zones. PTV's Michael Ortgiese details progress. The steep increases in traffic volumes predicted back in the early 1990s have unfortunately been proven to be more than accurate. In Germany, the AKTIV project continues to look into cooperative technologies' potential to reduce the impact of those increased traffic volumes and keep traffic moving despite limitations in infrastructure capacity.
    Read More
  • April 26, 2021
    Crash course in workzone safety
    A vehicle crashing through a workzone is an ever-present risk. As US National Work Zone Awareness Week approaches, Alan Dron asks what chance there is of improving the situation
    Read More

Highlighted Content