Distracted driving Research
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To describe novel smartphone-based measures of cell phone use while driving in a sample of newly licensed adolescent drivers, we installed a windshield-mounted device that pairs with a smartphone application to collect data on cell phone use while driving over 2 weeks. We found that smartphone-based applications are an innovative means by which to collect continuous data on cell phone use while driving that can be used to better understand and intervene on this frequent behavior in newly licensed adolescent drivers.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in adolescents and drivers aged 16-19 are the most likely to die in distracted driving crashes. We created an overview of the literature on adolescent cellphone use while driving, focusing on the crash risk, incidence, risk factors for engagement, and the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies. Given the limited effectiveness of current mitigation strategies such as educational campaigns and legal bans, a multi-pronged behavioral and technological approach for future studies will be necessary to prevent crashes related to cellphone use in adolescents.
The majority of U.S. teens admit to handheld cellphone use while driving. To understand why the blocking technology is poorly understood and potentially limiting uptake, this study used surveys to examine teens' willingness to reduce cellphone use while driving and perceptions of potential strategies to limit this behavior. The results show that the strongest perceived benefit of cellphone blocking apps was decreasing distraction and the predominant reason for not wanting to use this technology was not wanting parents to monitor their behavior.