Pedestrian smartphone distraction: Prevalence and potential severity. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horberry, Tim; Osborne, Rachel; Young, Kristie
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 60(2019)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 523
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Pedestrians -- Smartphones -- Mobile phones -- Distraction -- Observations; Automobile drivers -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Automobile driving -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 629.283019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2018.11.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8478

Abstract

Highlights: Large observational study of pedestrian smartphone distraction. Included consideration of both prevalence and potential severity (critical events). Found overall number of pedestrians using smartphones was 20%. Found risk of critical events was significantly higher for smartphone users. Explored pedestrian distraction countermeasures within the Safe Systems framework. Abstract: To better understand the incidence and potential severity of pedestrian smartphone distraction in a city location, a non-invasive observational study was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Video recordings of pedestrians crossing roads at eight city sites were undertaken during daytime conditions. Data were analysed both for pedestrian use of different smartphone functions such as hand-held calls, and for 'critical events' such as crossing the road at a prohibited time. The results found that, on average, 20% of pedestrians were using their smartphones when crossing roads, significantly more critical events occurred with smartphone users compared to non-smartphone users, and that the pattern of critical events was different for smartphone and non-smartphone users. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of further research and potential countermeasures to minimise the occurrence, or impact, of pedestrian distraction.