A novel technological approach to preventing distracted driving

Abstract

Objective: Several factors increase crash risk for teen drivers, including vulnerability to distraction and increased propensity to engage in risky driving behaviors such as smart phone use while driving (SPUWD). The current study evaluated the efficacy of an augmented LifeSaver smartphone app in reducing SPUWD among teen drivers and their parents. Method: Objectively collected app data and survey data were used to evaluate the app’s effectiveness in reducing SPUWD and its usability and acceptability among teen drivers and their parents. Results: Data collected by the LifeSaver app revealed no significant decrease in overall SPUWD, however parents spent significantly less time using social media apps while certain features of the app were enabled. Conclusions: Parents expressed reluctance to change their own distracted driving behavior but preferred that their teens not engage in that same behavior. This important finding suggests that anti-distracted driving interventions must target not only teens but families as a whole.