Identification of most suitable in vehicle position of mobile phone as navigation device for minimizing driver distraction A study on drivers of Mobile Application Based Taxi Services MABTS

Abstract

With the advancement in technology, most drivers (personal as-well-as hired car) use mobile phones as portable navigation devices for cars. One of the detrimental effects of using mobile phones while driving is the distraction caused to the drivers, commonly referred to as driver distraction. Sources of driver distraction can vary significantly; however, the literature review indicates that distracted driving due to mobile phone use has been identified as a significant cause of road accidents. Out of the different issues newlinerelated to mobile phone use, while driving, the in-vehicle position of the mobile phone could be one of the lesser-explored causes of distraction. newline newlineResearchers have empirically examined the effect of the positions of car navigation display on eye movement and braking reaction time. Earlier studies related to the placement of in-vehicle displays and newlineinfotainment systems showed that positions of displays affect driver distraction and, thereby, driving performance. Hence, following the literature review, it can be concluded that driver-distraction due to the newlinevaried positions of the in-vehicle navigational device (like mobile-phone) might impact driving performance and consequently the possibility of road accident. newline newlineIn India, Mobile Application-Based Taxi Services (MABTS) companies like OLA and Uber are using mobile-phone applications for executing their services. Although mobile phone is a major cause of distraction, its complete elimination is impractical, as it has become an inevitable part of driving, particularly for the drivers of MABTS. It was observed from the field study that mobile-phone used for navigation purpose was generally mounted at different locations on and around the dashboard and steering wheel, as per the driver s perception of convenience. Neither there is a guideline nor specific locations followed by the MABTS drivers for mounting their mobile phone for navigation purposes. Positioning the in-vehicle mobile phone at an un-optimal location would reduce the driving perfo