Health Belief Model and attitudes and behaviors related to distracted driving with use of a simulation game to prevent distracted driving

The National Safety Council estimates approximately 1.6 million crashes are caused annually by drivers talking on cell phones and texting. A 2010 survey indicated 90% of young adults text or talk while driving knowing the increased accident risks.

The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes, behavioral intention and behaviors related to distracted driving, before and after completion of a distracted driving simulation game. The Health Belief Model was used as a theoretical framework to explain attitudes and behaviors related to distracted driving.

Participants were university students who completed a pretest measuring distracted driving attitudes and behaviors. Immediately after the pretest they completed a simulation game that tested their ability to text while avoiding driving hazards, followed by the posttest. They completed the posttest again one month later to determine changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Some behaviors measured included how often they text while driving, during what driving situations they text, their willingness as passengers to tell drivers not to text, and negative consequences experienced due to distracted driving. Attitudes measured included perception of risks, “fairness” of laws, personal ability to multitask and general safety concern. Response to cues to action, behavioral intention and behavior change were also assessed. A number of participants text and drive and acknowledge the risks but are unwilling to stop texting while driving. Some participants stated the simulation game was not realistic, thereby lessening its prevention impact. Investigation of other more effective prevention methods is necessary to reduce distracted driving behaviors.