An exploratory analysis of factors leading to prevalence of distracted driving behavior in Pakistan

Abstract

Distracted Driving Behavior is one of the leading factors responsible for road accidents. Using a case study of Pakistan, this study aimed to observe the effect of road type and conditions, trip timing, law enforcement, passenger type, and sociodemographic indicators on distracted driving behavior. The effect of driving experience on distracted driving behavior was also studied as a mediating variable. A questionnaire was prepared, and 501 responses were selected for this study. The PLS-SEM was employed to test the hypotheses of the study. The results showed that all the factors significantly influenced distracted driving behavior except passenger type. Trip timing had the strongest effect, suggesting drivers were more distracted during the daytime, possibly due to the ease of driving enabling environment, followed by significant effects of road type and conditions, age, and law enforcement. However, passenger presence did not significantly impact distracted driving in this study. The results indicate a need for suitable interventions with various stakeholders (policymakers, police, mental health experts, advocates, and community leaders) to raise awareness, change attitudes, and increase risk perception related to distracted driving behavior and its imperilments.