Citation

O'Connor SS, Shain LM, Whitehill JM, Ebel BE. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2017; 99: 372-378.

Affiliation

Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Patricia Bracelin Steel Memorial Building, 401 Broadway, 4th floor, Seattle, WA 98122, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Health Sciences Building, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Hospital, 2001 Eighth Ave., Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98121, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2016.12.016

PMID

28068624

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Previous research suggests that anticipation of incoming phone calls or messages and impulsivity are significantly associated with motor vehicle crash. We took a more explanative approach to investigate a conceptual model regarding the direct and indirect effect of compulsive cell phone use and impulsive personality traits on crash risk.

METHODS: We recruited a sample of 307 undergraduate college students to complete an online survey that included measures of cell phone use, impulsivity, and history of motor vehicle crash. Using a structural equation model, we examined the direct and indirect relationships between factors of the Cell Phone Overuse Scale-II (CPOS-II), impulsivity, in-vehicle phone use, and severity and frequency of previous motor vehicle crash. Self-reported miles driven per week and year in college were included as covariates in the model.

RESULTS: Our findings suggest that anticipation of incoming communication has a direct association with greater in-vehicle phone use, but was not directly or indirectly associated with increasing risk of previous motor vehicle crash. Of the three latent factors comprising the CPOS-II, only anticipation was significantly associated with elevated cell phone use while driving. Greater impulsivity and use of in-vehicle cell phone use while driving were directly and significantly associated with greater risk of motor vehicle crash.

CONCLUSIONS: Anticipation of incoming cellular contacts (calls or texts) is associated with greater in-vehicle phone use, while greater in-vehicle cell phone use and impulsive traits are associated with elevated risk of motor vehicle crashes.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en