SA’s mobile obsession while driving
A new survey from Time Magazine has found that as many as 43% (compared to 26% globally) of South Africans use their mobile phones while driving.
The Time Mobility Poll, conducted in co-operation with Qualcomm, tracked 5,000 people of all ages and income levels from around the world, including South Africa, the US, the UK, China, India, South Korea, Indonesia and Brazil.
As many as 78% of South Africans say their smartphone or mobile phone is their most important personal device, higher than any other country.
The survey found that 63% of SA wireless users checked their phone at least once every 30 minutes, and 42% said they check it at least once every 10 minutes. Six in ten users said they browse the internet on their wireless mobile device at least a few times a week, up from 27% five years ago.
Nearly eight in ten local respondents said that wireless mobile technology has made South Africa a more efficient place to do business.
“Wireless mobile technology, simply put, has made South Africa a better country. 91% of South Africans say that wireless has improved life in their country in general, compared to 69% globally. 83% say that it has strengthened South Africa’s economy,” the survey said.
The majority of SA respondents (86%) say being constantly connected by technology is mostly helpful, compared to just 12% who say it is a burden.
Globally, 84% of respondents said they couldn’t go a single day without their mobile devices in hand, while 26% say they feel guilty if they don’t promptly respond to a work-related message outside of normal work hours.
Three quarters of respondents worldwide think governments should not have the power to shut off wireless networks for the purpose of suppressing peaceful dissent.
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