Always-Available Communication and Technological Distractions: Technology Use, Texting and Driving

Abstract

ABSTRACTDigital mobile communication tools have become cultural artefacts for everyday sociability. As technology use becomes pervasive in society, it brings many advantages for everyday social relations, but these benefits come in tandem with some disadvantages and unintended consequences. One such consequence is the tendency for people to be distracted due to technology use while driving. The focus of this study was to explore the prevalence of texting, making phone calls, and other technology use, such as adjusting or tuning dashboard music players or radios, while driving. Through a survey of drivers, roadside ethnographic observations of drivers, and interviews with traffic officers in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa,, the study broadly examined the social and cultural impact of technology and mobility with specific focus on technology use and distracted driving. The findings revealed a prevalence for texting and driving: 60 per cent of the participants reported that they have sent a text while driving; and 88 per cent acknowledged that they have seen drivers texting while driving. The study is significant considering the limited research on this social issue in South Africa, and it is also relevant considering that technology use and distraction portends the potential for causing road accidents.