Prevalence and correlates of cell phone use among Texas drivers

Abstract

IntroductionCell phone use while driving restricts peripheral awareness and impairs reaction time. This study assessed the 3-year prevalence of cell phone use (CPU) of drivers and characteristics associated with its use in six cities across Texas, 2011–2013.MethodsCPU and driver characteristics were observed among motor vehicles (n = 1280) stopped at major intersections in medical and academic campuses. A multivariable logistic regression model described the association between driver characteristics and CPU.ResultsThe overall prevalence of any CPU was 18.7%. Any type of CPU and talking tended to decline, while texting seemed to increase from 2011 to 2013. CPU was more likely among female drivers (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.21, 2.20), drivers < 25 years of age (OR = 4.12; 95% CI = 2.29, 7.39), and drivers without passengers (OR = 4.40; 95% CI = 2.82, 6.88).ConclusionDespite its dangers, CPU remains popular among Texas drivers. CPU and texting bans should target public health campaigns towards female and younger drivers.

Should I Text or Call Here? A Situation‐Based Analysis of Drivers’ Perceived Likelihood of Engaging in Mobile Phone Multitasking

“…Despite longstanding educational and enforcement efforts, mobile (cell) phone distracted driving has remained an ongoing concern in the transport system worldwide. Observational studies report that the prevalence of drivers using a mobile phone varies from 5% to 18.7% in high-income countries such as Australia and United States, and up to 31.2% in low-and middle-income countries such as Botswana and Mexico (Pheko, Tlhabano, Monteiro, & Balogun, 2013;Vera-López et al, 2012;Wilkinson, Brown, Moussa, & Day, 2015;Young, Rudin-Brown, & Lenné, 2010). Mobile phones are emergent technologies in constant evolution.…”

Risk factors of mobile phone use while driving in Queensland: Prevalence, attitudes, crash risk perception, and task-management strategies

“…Recent naturalistic driving estimates in the USA have confirmed that drivers are distracted in some way around half of the time, with mobile phone use making up about a quarter of the distracted time [ 5 ]. Observational on-road studies have found that nearly 18.7% in the USA [ 7 ] and 5% in Australia [ 8 ] use a mobile phone while driving.…”

Road traffic injuries and fatalities among drivers distracted by mobile devices

“…[ 35 ] Millennials (18–34 years of age) are more likely to be mobile device users compared with those aged 35 years and older,[ 36 ] and research has consistently shown that younger drivers (<30 years) engage in distracting activities more often than older drivers. [ 4 5 6 8 9 ] Similarly, the findings of our review suggest that distracted driving-related trauma is most common among relatively inexperienced drivers, with the greatest proportion of road traffic injuries and deaths seen in the 20–30 years age group. Furthermore, Lam found the relative risk (RR) of injury or death in crashed drivers who were using a handheld phone (compared to crashed drivers with no distraction) was significantly higher in drivers aged 25–29 years (RR = 2.37), but not in any other age group.…”

“…The prevalence of distracted driving related to mobile devices use has been reported to range between 1.3% and 31.4%. [ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ]…”