Using a mobile app to help young adults avoid driving under the influence of substances

Evaluation of an Interactive Mobile Phone-Based Brief Intervention to Reduce Substance-Impaired Driving among Emerging Adults

NIH-funded research Western Kentucky University · NIH-10358917

This study is looking at how a mobile phone program can help young adults aged 18-25 who have driven after using alcohol or cannabis to drive more safely by either getting personalized feedback or interactive text messages, to see if it can really cut down on driving under the influence over the next few months.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWestern Kentucky University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bowling Green, United States)
Project IDNIH-10358917 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a mobile phone-based intervention designed to reduce substance-impaired driving among young adults aged 18-25. Participants who have recently driven after using cannabis or alcohol will be randomly assigned to receive either personalized feedback or an enhanced intervention that includes interactive text messaging. The study aims to evaluate whether this mobile-based approach can significantly decrease the incidence of driving after substance use over a follow-up period of three to six months. By utilizing technology, the research seeks to engage young adults in a way that resonates with their daily lives and behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are emerging adults aged 18-25 who have reported driving after using cannabis or alcohol at least three times in the past three months.

Not a fit: Patients who do not engage in substance use or have not driven under the influence in the past three months may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in substance-impaired driving incidents among young adults, ultimately saving lives and reducing traffic accidents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that brief interventions can effectively reduce substance use among young adults, suggesting that this mobile-based approach may also be successful.

Where this research is happening

Bowling Green, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.