Online meetings while driving: Neither efficient nor safe
Having online meetings while driving your car might seem ideal and time-effective because you can travel to your destination while also attending that appointment. 'But it's also dangerous and unproductive,' says Oscar Oviedo Trespalacios, researcher in human-technology interactions. His research in particularly the risks of crashing due to distracted driving caused by phone use, seeks to prevent these crashes. Distraction has been found responsible for in more than 25% of crashes in various studies.
Safe driving requires significant attention to recognize and respond to potential hazards. According to Oviedo Trespalacios, engaging in phone meetings can significantly reduce this focus, as drivers also need to attend to the meeting, diverting their resources. Surprisingly, many drivers are not fully aware of how significantly their driving is impaired by phone use, underestimating the dangers of even brief distractions. In his research, Oviedo Trespalacios also focuses on phone addiction and the compelling nature of social media notifications, which further exacerbate the problem. By developing effective prevention strategies, he aims to reduce distractions from phone use and thereby decrease the number of crashes.
Fines and penalties not effective
Although fines and penalties for phone use while driving are high, such conventional deterrents have insufficient effect on distracted driving. Therefore, Oviedo Trespalacios also looked at behavioural and technological interventions. Such as educational programmes that raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving.
Completely eliminating phone use is very difficult, as phones are useful and ubiquitous technologies, but we can teach drivers skills to better handle potential distractions. Technology can also reduce driver phone use while driving. Equipping cars with technology that helps maintain focus on the road, or apps that disable phone functions while driving, helps drivers deal with phone temptations. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that phone use is just one way you can get distracted; smartwatches, billboards, etc., are also forms of distraction. This dual approach of developing technology and raising awareness of all distractions contributes to making driving safer, even when distractions arise.’
Social acceptance
In the case of holding meetings or business conversations while driving, employers and the broader work environment play a crucial role in this ecosystem of distraction. It is widely accepted and reflects a societal norm that underestimates the dangers of such behaviour. This acceptance raises serious questions about the responsibilities of employers to ensure the safety of their employees. 'Why has it become acceptable to expect employees to be available for calls or meetings while driving, fully knowing the risks involved?' questions Oviedo Trespalacios. It is important to consider that, in addition to the risks of distraction, people driving—a complex task—are not actively participating in the meeting either. Thus, they neither drive safely nor participate meaningfully.
Delivery drivers
In certain professions, such as delivery drivers, the use of mobile phones is not only encouraged but also required for the performance of their duties. These workers rely on their phones for navigation, communication with customers, and updating the status of their work, making phone use an integral part of their job. This necessity introduces a complex layer to the problem of distracted driving, as it blurs the boundaries between essential use and distraction. It also highlights the need to hold employers accountable for designing job systems that necessitate distraction, essentially putting workers at risk. We need to rethink this issue, and we are working on it at TU Delft.
Joint approach needed
The complex nature of distracted driving underscores the need for a joint approach to address this problem, involving not only individual drivers but also app developers, employers, and the way jobs, such as that of the delivery driver, are designed. Oviedo Trespalacios: ‘Only by working together can we take steps to reduce distracted driving and the accidents that result from it.’