The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62757

Dong-Chul Seo, MS and Mohammad Rahim Torabi, PhD, MPH. Dept. of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER 116, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, 812-855-9379, sdongchu@indiana.edu

Background: With rapidly increasing in-vehicle cell-phone use, safety of young drivers who represent 14% of the licensed drivers but 26% of the total fatal crashes may be disproportionately threatened. Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the association between in-vehicle cell-phone use and accidents or near accidents among young drivers. Methods: Using a questionnaire, a survey was conducted utilizing 1,289 conveniently recruited college students enrolled in fall 2002 classes in four different states in the U.S. Results: Of the total respondents, 78% (93% of car drivers) reported talking while driving (TWD) at least once a week. Among driving respondents, 36% experienced car accidents that resulted in injury or property damage and another 34% experienced near accidents. Of the reported accidents or near accidents, 27% (n = 192) involved at least one of the drivers TWD. The immediate causes of TWD-related accidents and near accidents were talking on the phone (41%), attempting to dial (29%), attempting to answer (16%), and startled by ringing phone (12%). Chi-square analyses showed that the frequency of TWD, not the average time spent per call, is related to experiencing accidents or near accidents. About 16% of TWD subjects reported using hands-free mode and showed safer driving behaviors than those who did not. Race, gender, speeding, and eating/drinking behind the wheel were related to hands-free mode use. African Americans were much more likely to use hands-free mode than Whites (adjusted odds ratio: 4.33). Conclusions: Young drivers’ safety is increasingly threatened by TWD.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to:
• 1. Recognize the extent to which cell-phone use while driving increases the risk of an accident
• 2. Identify contributing factors to TWD (talking while driving) related accidents
• 3. List the demographic and behavioral factors that are associated with voluntary hands-free mode use

Keywords: Injury Prevention, Risky Behaviors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.