Your Mobile Phone Can Kill You

This morning, I was nearly hit by a driver who was clearly using their mobile phone. This incident highlights a growing problem in our daily traffic: the risks of mobile phone use by both drivers and pedestrians. Using mobile phones poses a significant risk to road safety and causes thousands of accidents worldwide every year.

Drivers: a split second can change lives

Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of an accident by four times, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Even hands-free calls can lead to cognitive distractions.

Shocking statistics

• In the Netherlands, an estimated 25% of traffic accidents are caused by distractions, with mobile phone use playing a major role.
• Every year, approximately 50 people in the Netherlands die in accidents caused by distractions.
• In the United States, over 3,500 fatalities were linked to distracted driving in 2021, many due to mobile phone use.

Messaging apps, social media, and even navigation can cause a driver to lose focus for several seconds. At a speed of 30 km/h, the total stopping distance is approximately 13 meters (9 meters reaction time and 4 meters braking distance). While this may seem short, it can already lead to serious injuries or even fatalities for a pedestrian in a collision.

Pedestrians: "Smombies" and their risks

Pedestrians who are constantly looking at their phones, also known as "smombies," endanger both themselves and others. This behaviour is especially risky when crossing busy streets. Additionally, the opposite also happens frequently: people with strollers or pets step onto a crosswalk without noticing approaching traffic. This lack of attention can be just as dangerous and poses a risk to all road users.

Important facts

• 17% of pedestrians involved in traffic accidents were using their mobile phones at the time.
• In Germany, 125 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2022, partly due to smartphone use.
• In the Netherlands, dozens of pedestrians face danger every year due to distractions.

Young people are particularly vulnerable; they use their phones more often while walking, significantly reducing their reaction time. I often see young people crossing crosswalks without looking while absorbed in their phones. If I honk to warn them to pay attention to the traffic, I usually receive a barrage of insults. It seems they are unaware of the serious injuries they could sustain if a vehicle uses them as a brake.

Cyclists: The growing threat of mobile distraction

In recent years, mobile phone use among cyclists has become a significant issue. While cycling is generally considered safe and environmentally friendly, the distraction caused by smartphones introduces substantial risks.

Startling statistics

• An estimated 10-25% of cycling accidents are linked to distractions, primarily due to smartphone use.
• Cyclists aged 12 to 24 are the most at-risk group, with high smartphone usage rates while cycling.
• In cities like Amsterdam, reports of near-misses involving distracted cyclists have risen by 5-8% annually.

Risks and consequences

Cyclists using their phones often fail to notice obstacles, vehicles, or other road users, leading to:

• Collisions with pedestrians or other cyclists.
• Dangerous falls caused by obstacles like curbs or potholes.
• Serious injuries, such as fractures and head trauma, often worsened by the lack of protective gear.

Policies and measures

Efforts to address these issues include:

• Legislation: The Netherlands banned mobile phone use while cycling in 2019, with fines for violations.
• Awareness campaigns: Educational initiatives target young cyclists, emphasising the dangers of distraction.
• Technology: Apps that block notifications or incentivize safe cycling habits are gaining popularity.

What can we do?

Stricter enforcement

Governments need to implement and enforce stricter penalties for mobile phone use in traffic, targeting both drivers and cyclists.

Awareness campaigns

Public campaigns should focus on educating all road users about the dangers of distraction and promoting safe behaviour.

Smart technology

Encouraging the use of apps that block notifications or lock screens while in motion can significantly reduce distraction.

Safer infrastructure

Designing roads and bike paths to minimise conflict points between distracted users and other traffic can help prevent accidents.

Regulation of social media

Introducing features that limit smartphone usage during movement, such as safety lock modes, can further reduce risks.

Conclusion

For parents, it’s not only important to monitor what their children are watching on their phones but also how they are using them. Are they walking or cycling with their phones in hand without paying attention to traffic? This awareness can be life-saving.

Distraction caused by mobile phones is one of the biggest challenges for road safety. Every moment of inattention can lead to lifelong consequences. Therefore, it is essential for society to remain aware of the risks and actively take measures to reverse this trend.

Leo van den Berg works as an independent consultant in the area?where ITS and IT meet. He has over 40 years experience in the development of Traffic Management & Enforcement systems. Leo is an enthusiastic Technology Scout who tries to find solutions for real-world problems.

Illustration made with an AI-illustration tool