Randomized Trial on Mobile Technology and Young Drivers' Cellphone Use

Motao Zhu1,200 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of a cellphone app and a driving mode intervention on driving behavior in drivers aged 18-24 years.

For this study, 1200 teens aged 18-24 years will be randomized into one of three study groups for 6 months. Researchers aim to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial cellphone-blocking apps and driving mode interventions on cellphone use while driving and evaluate the effectiveness of commercial cellphone-blocking apps and driving mode interventions on high-risk driving events.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

1,200

Conditions

Cell Phone Use Automobile Driving

Interventions

Commercial Cellphone-Blocking App (Active)BEHAVIORAL

The Fleetsafer app, which is a commercial cellphone app that uses a cellphone's standard sensors and function to block handheld cellphone use while driving, will be downloaded on the participant's smartphone.

Driving ModeBEHAVIORAL

Apple's "Do Not Disturb" driving mode provided by Apple for iPhones or Google Do Not Disturb, Verizon Messages +, Android Auto or have another app, called LifeSaver installed on their Android phone (collectively referred to as driving modes; the specific driving mode for participants in this arm will be determined based on smartphone type and service provider).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 24 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-24 years of age at time of recruitment * Must have ownership and exclusive access to a passenger vehicle * Must have car insurance with at least state-minimum coverage * Must live in Greater Columbus (Ohio) area * Must drive at least 2 days a week on average * Must have functioning iPhone or Android smartphone with an active phone service account (Ex: Verizon, AT\&T, etc.) * Must self-report handheld calling or texting while driving (≥ 1 time/week) * Must not be enrolled in another driving-related research study during the study period. * Must be willing to be randomized and comply with study requirements * Must have no plans to change cellphones or vehicles in next 6 months or agree to transfer FleetSafer app/DriveCam if they change cellphones or vehicles * Must speak and read English Exclusion Criteria: * Drivers under 18 years of age * Drivers holding learner's permits * Drivers who share a vehicle with a family member or others * Infrequent drivers (Drive 2 days a week or less) * Participants from the pilot R21 project * Current users of a cellphone-blocking app or driving mode who do not agree to uninstall/de-activate the app for the duration of participation in the study * Current users of a car insurance monitoring device (physical device or app)

Locations (1)

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Columbus, Ohio, United States

RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Calling, texting, and handheld cell phone use while driving

Number of calling occurrences, texting occurrences, and handheld phone use occurrences, per 1,000 miles driven. Higher numbers signify more calling, texting, and handheld cell phone use.

Time frame: 5-month intervention period

High-risk driving events

Total number of high-risk driving events (e.g., hard-braking, sudden acceleration, swerving) per 1,000 miles driven. Higher numbers signify more high-risk driving events.

Time frame: 5-month intervention period

Central Contacts

Motao Zhu, MD,MS,PhD

CONTACT

(614)-355-6687 motao.zhu@nationwidechildrens.org

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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