Road safety and the use of mobile devices in South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT The research paper investigates the use of mobile driving (MD) on South African roads. The advent of technological advancement has become a prevalent force within society as it has shaped the behaviour and psychology of motorists’ on our road. The MD is a popular gadget amongst all motorists. Unfortunately, it has created a very unconducive environment for safe driving as motorist are distracted leading to impaired response time of reflexes and poor attention of the road. Despite law enforcement prohibiting the use of the MD while driving motorist still continue behaviour. The research paper has already illicit findings to address the discourse and solving a social problem. Working professionals in the age category 25-34 and 35-49 years old are frequent users of MD while driving likely due to work pressures and limited time constraints. The removal of the MD is not the solution but rather to integrate the MD with the car. Boredom is the root cause for mobile use while driving. Though having company in the car mitigate the use of the MD. People who MD with greater purpose (professionals, business people) are also more likely to be alone in the car which exacerbates the behaviour. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Police Services (SAPS), Discovery and the National Traffic Police are the custodians in South Africa that are the beneficiaries of the research.