UTJECAJ KORIŠTENJA MOBITELA U VOŢNJI NA SIGURNOST CESTOVNOG PROMETA U ŠIBENSKO-KNINSKOJ ŢUPANIJI/ HOW THE USAGE OF MOBILE PHONES WHILE DRIVING AFFECTS ROAD SAFETY IN ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY

Abstract

Traffic safety, among other things, is what most defines road transport in every country. Preventive measures, actions and activities are undertaken with this final goal in mind. Alongside other world countries, the Republic of Croatia is also involved in tackling this complex issue by harmonising the National Road Safety Programme with the 4th Road Safety Action Programme of EU Member States and the “Decade of Action for Road Safety“ of the United Nations. The usage of mobile phones while driving is a frequent cause of traffic accidents as it prevents the driver from being completely focused on driving, thus making them dangerous for both themselves and other road users. The relative risk of becoming involved in a traffic accident while using a mobile phone is namely similar to the dangers linked with driving under the influence of alcohol. The gender of a driver also affects the frequency of mobile phone use while driving. The use of mobile phones while driving affects the road safety both on the global level and in the Republic of Croatia. The aim of the research was to determine the share of drivers in the Šibenik-Knin County who use mobile phones while driving as compared to drivers in the Republic of Croatia, as well as whether the promotion of traffic culture, the education carried out and the measures introduced effect a decrease in mobile phone use while driving.