Comparative analysis of the effects of mobile phone use on driving performance using ANOVA and ANCOVA

The issue of distracted driving by the smartphone is of primary importance for road safety. This study discusses the results of a simulated driving experiment that explores the effects of four smartphone usages on driving performance across a range of driver ages and experiences also considering the gender factor. Unlike most similar studies, which mainly focus on a single element at a time (gender influence, specific age group, etc.), the proposed experimental design investigates the extent to which several combinations of factors related to the driver, the driving environment and the specific smartphone usage may affect driving performance. Using ANOVA and ANCOVA it has emerged that: (i) Age seems to significantly affect driving behaviour, older drivers tend to reduce their speed when using smartphones. (ii) Consistently with previous research, the risk of collision increases for all age groups when using smartphones. (iii) Drivers tend to increase their speed during a phone conversation. This interesting result may indicate how much the perception of risk associated with smartphone use has changed alarmingly in short time. Outcomes provide new knowledge based on experimental evidence and can support legislators towards introducing effective measures to counteract the widespread use of the phone when driving.