Role of trait impulsivity in distracted driving and walking: A Cluster analysis

The present study examined whether college students could be categorized into distinct subgroups that differed in their distracted driving and walking frequencies.

A sample of 277 college students participated in this study. They completed an online survey measuring their frequencies of distracted driving and walking, trait impulsivity (relatively stable characteristics of individuals to act spontaneously without considering the potential consequences), and behavioral impulsivity (process-oriented construct reflecting impulsive decision-making). Using hierarchical cluster analysis with component scores derived from a principal component analysis for distracted driving and walking frequencies, the following four subgroups were identified and named based on relative differences in frequencies: (a) the Low-Distraction subgroup, (b) the Distracted-Walking subgroup, (c) the Distracted-Driving subgroup, and (d) the High-Distraction subgroup. These subgroups were then compared to the extent to which they differed in levels of trait and behavioral impulsivity.

The results of the multinomial regression analyses, including cell phone use as a covariate, revealed that the differences between the Low-Distraction subgroup and other subgroups were significantly predicted by increased attentional impulsivity for other subgroups. Additionally, the difference between the Distracted-Walking and High-Distraction subgroups was significantly predicted by increased motor impulsivity for the High-Distraction subgroup. Implications for new intervention strategies targeting these impulsivity processes are discussed in relation to existing intervention strategies.