Investigating the Impact of Mounted Mobile Phones on Driving Behavior

Because the use of handheld mobile phones while driving is considered dangerous behavior, mounted mobile phones have emerged as an alternative. This study compared use of mounted with handheld mobile phones while driving and investigated the impact of mounted mobile phones on driving behavior. The behavior of receiving and making calls, and reading/sending text messages using mobile phones mounted on windshields, dashboards, vents, and cupholders while driving was observed. It was found that mounted mobile phones have less distraction potential than handheld mobile phones; however, they can distract the driver to the same degree, depending on the mounting position. In conclusion, a key factor that determines the potential distraction level of a mounted mobile phone while driving is the mounting position. The hands-free law should consider the mounting position of the mobile phone, rather than focus exclusively on manual interaction.