Effects of a cellphone app on young drivers' behavior
Official title: Randomized Trial on Mobile Technology and Young Drivers' Cellphone Use
Run by Nationwide Children's Hospital · NCT05163119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nationwide Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 9, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05163119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are under 18 years of age or those who do not regularly drive may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar interventions aimed at reducing cellphone use while driving, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.