Exploring cross-national variations in traffic safety culture: Insights into mobile phone use and shared beliefs across 31 countries

This study investigates cross-national differences in Traffic Safety Culture (TSC) by examining self-reported mobile phone use while driving across 31 countries. Using data from the third edition of the E-Survey of Road Users' Attitudes (ESRA3), collected in 2023, this research explores how socio-cognitive constructs, including norms , perceived behavioural control (PBC), attitude , and intention, influence drivers' mobile phone use while driving. Linear regression models are applied at both cross-national and national levels to understand the predictive strength of these constructs. Results indicate that socio-cognitive beliefs significantly explain variations in self-reported mobile phone use while driving, accounting for 37–63 % of the observed variance. Norms emerge as the strongest predictor, followed by PBC , attitude , and intention , with substantial differences in effect size across countries. These findings underscore the role of cultural and psychological factors in shaping unsafe driving behaviours, offering insights for tailored interventions that address specific socio-cognitive aspects of high-risk drivers, which can be used to design road safety campaigns or education programs more effectively. • The cross-national study examines mobile phone use while driving across 31 countries • Socio-cognitive beliefs explain 37–63 % of mobile phone use behaviour variance • Norms, perceived behaviour control, and attitudes significantly impact driver phone use • Analysis leverages ESRA3 data for a global perspective on traffic safety culture • Provides data-driven insights for targeted interventions in traffic safety culture