Dr Sherrie-Anne Kaye and Dr Sina Rejali. Credit: Queensland University of Technology
Queensland drivers support tougher and clearer distracted driving laws as technology becomes more complex, according to new research from QUT. The study, which surveyed 494 licensed drivers across the state and was published in Transport Policy, found strong public support for "technology neutral" legislation that would extend beyond mobile phones to cover smartwatches, in-built touchscreens, mounted devices and other emerging technologies.
Lead author Dr. Sina Rejali, a Research Fellow from the QUT School of Psychology and Counseling and the MAIC-QUT Road Safety Research Collaboration, said drivers recognized that current laws had not kept pace with the realities of modern tech.
"Drivers told us they want rules that reflect the technology they actually use every day," Dr. Rejali said. "Many felt the existing legislation is too narrow and doesn't address the full range of distractions now present in cars."
Participants overwhelmingly viewed the proposed rules as more effective and more comprehensive than current legislation, particularly in reducing gray areas around what drivers can and cannot do.
