It can W8: A community intervention to decrease distracted driving

Researchers tested an intervention to decrease cell-phone use while driving on a university campus. A total of 3,827 driving observations were recorded on a campus roadway over a three-week period. The campus intervention, consisting of fear appeals, pledges, and behavioral prompts, was tested using an ABA reversal design (Baseline-Intervention-Baseline) with observed cell-phone use as the dependent measure. A Chi-Square test of independence indicated the percentage of drivers talking on a cell phone decreased significantly from 8.5% of 945 drivers at Baseline to 5.5% of 1,428 drivers following the Intervention. In contrast, the percentage of drivers observed texting increased significantly from 4% of 945 drivers at Baseline to 6.2% of 1,428 drivers following the Intervention. Additionally, safety-belt use was associated with the type of phone use observed. Findings were significantly different for women versus men. Results are discussed in the context of behavioral community intervention and gender differences in traffic-safety behavior.