Evaluating the impact of smartwatches and smartphones on roadway safety: the impact of the digital age

The expansion prevalence of smartphones in personal consumer electronics is extremely well-known. A newcomer in this realm is the smartwatch, a Bluetooth-connected device that relays notifications, including text messages and emails, from users’ phones. However, the use of these gadgets raises concerns about road safety due to the potential for driver distraction, which is a major factor in global traffic crashes. This study investigates driving habits and attitudes in Jordan and the UAE, targeting to comprehend how smartphones and smartwatches contribute to distraction and heightened crash risks. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analysed statistically using SAS©. Employing a cross-sectional approach, 387 responses from an online questionnaire were analysed statistically. The study reveals significant factors affecting the influence of these devices, encompassing daily driving patterns, smartwatch accessibility, call dialling, etc. Intriguingly, smartwatches demonstrate comparatively lower influence on the driver’s distraction and crash susceptibility compared to smartphones. The results emphasise the importance of education and public awareness to enhance traffic safety around the world.