Effects of a cellphone app on young drivers' behavior
Randomized Trial on Mobile Technology and Young Drivers' Cellphone Use
This study tests whether a cellphone-blocking app can help young drivers aged 18-24 drive safer by reducing their phone use while driving.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nationwide Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05163119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of a cellphone-blocking app and a driving mode intervention on the driving behavior of young adults aged 18-24. A total of 1200 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a duration of six months. The researchers aim to assess how these interventions affect cellphone use while driving and the occurrence of high-risk driving events. The study will provide insights into the effectiveness of mobile technology in promoting safer driving habits among young drivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 18-24 who frequently use their cellphones while driving and reside in the Greater Columbus area.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years of age or those who do not regularly drive may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved driving safety and reduced accidents among young drivers by minimizing cellphone distractions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar interventions aimed at reducing cellphone use while driving, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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)
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- Nationwide Children's Hospital — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Motao Zhu — Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Motao Zhu, MD,MS,PhD
- Email: motao.zhu@nationwidechildrens.org
- Phone: (614)-355-6687
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.