Randomized Trial on Mobile Technology and Young Drivers' Cellphone Use

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Automobile Driving; Cell Phone Use
• Interventions: Behavioral: Commercial Cellphone-Blocking App (Active); Behavioral: Driving Mode

• Registration Number: NCT05163119
• Lead Sponsor: Motao Zhu

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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 Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2021-12-05
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-12-05
• Study First Posted: 2021-12-20
• Study Start: 2022-11-09
• Status Verified: 2024-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-05-14
• Last Update Posted: 2024-05-16
• Primary Completion: 2026-06-30
• Study Completion: 2026-06-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 1200

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)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Commercial Cellphone-Blocking App	Commercial Cellphone-Blocking App (Active)	Commercial cellphone-blocking app that blocks handheld cellphone use while driving, but allows emergency calls and phone use after pressing the passenger button will be installed on smartphone.
Driving Mode	Driving Mode	Driving mode blocks handheld phone use while driving or facilitates hands free use (exact functionality dependent on smartphone type and service provider).This group will also have the commercial cell-phone blocking app installed on smartphone, but app will be inactive.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
High-risk driving events	5-month intervention period	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.
Calling, texting, and handheld cell phone use while driving	5-month intervention period	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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Nationwide Children's Hospital; 🇺🇸 Columbus, Ohio, United States