New University of the Sunshine Coast research will explore the mobile phone use of drivers of all ages through an application built by the App Factory, a business based at USC’s Innovation Centre.

The innovative behavioural study, headed by USC Research Fellow Dr Bridie Scott-Parker, is now seeking participants.

“We are looking for drivers of any age and any driving experience,” she said.

“The drivers will download the ‘Make A Pact’ app to their android phone and keep it on for six months. We will monitor the app’s use.”

The ‘Make A Pact: Avoid a Tech Stack’ campaign aims to reduce driver distraction. The app automatically silences android phones when in “active driver mode”.

Dr Scott-Parker, who was recently named joint winner of the 2015 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year, said the study would use the popularity of apps to explore the use of technology by drivers.

“We will cover the cost of the app ($2.99) for the first 100 drivers,” she said. “At the end of the study, everyone who participated will be placed in a draw to win an Aspera R6 4G Samsung phone valued at $597.”

For details, contact Dr Bridie Scott-Parker at bscottpa@usc.edu.au.

— Julie Schomberg