Which smartphone's apps may contribute to road safety? An AHP model to evaluate experts' opinions

Abstract

Smartphone usage while driving is a worldwide phenomenon which is acknowledged as a major concern for road safety. While being a major cause of risk, smartphones apps may also serve as a means to control and reduce risky driving behavior. However, it is still unclear which apps should be favored and what features and functions compose such valuable apps. The purpose of this paper is to establish a blueprint for smartphone apps that will have the greatest potential to reduce injury crashes. The study is based on apps mapping and experts' opinions retrieved through an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Thirty seven experts participated in the study and evaluated and graded nine widespread types of apps according to various criteria. When weighing safety considerations versus acceptance concerns, they were found to be almost equally important. The results clearly define the desirable types of smartphone apps: collision warning, texting prevention (both no-typing and no-reading), voice control (both text-to-speech and commands), and Green Box (In Vehicle Data Recorder – IVDR). However, while texting prevention and IVDR are not likely to be widely accepted and used, collision warning and voice control apps are expected to gain public support.