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Crash risk associated with cellular phone use while driving
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to provide a more accurate estimation of the fatal crash risk associated with cellular phone usage while driving as it is likely to be under-reported in crash databases. METHODS Using a nationally representative fatal motor vehicle crash database, cellular phone use as a contributing crash factor was imputed using propensity scores based on variables previously shown to be associated with cellular phone use while driving. Nationwide fatal crash rates were calculated. RESULTS The nationwide fatal crash rate for crashes in which cellular phone use while driving was a contributing factor was 3.11 per million registered light passenger vehicles (95% CI 3.06-3.16) between 1991-2011. Males were significantly more likely to be involved in a fatal crash where cellular phone use was a factor, as were younger drivers. The results for different states in which cellular phone use while driving is legislated were not consistent. DISCUSSION When crash rates calculated using imputed values were compared to the existing crash rates there was an almost twofold increase in fatal crashes where cell phone use was a contributing factor. This suggests that crashes involving cellular phone use may indeed be under-reported. In addition to identifying the driver demographics in which these crashes are more likely to occur, a more accurate calculation of the crash rate for crashes which involve cellular phone use as a contributing factor will allow for the effectiveness of legislation concerning cell phone use while driving to be evaluated as more data becomes available.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related public policy
Learning Objectives:
Explain while cellular phone use as a contributing factor in motor vehicle crash databases is likely to be under-reported.
Describe the imputation process used to provide a more accurate estimation of the crash risk associated with cellular phone use while driving.
Compare crash rates where cellular phone use was likely a contributing crash factor using imputed values and unaltered crash data.
Evaluate the crash risk of cellular phones use while driving for different demographic groups.
Evaluate the impact of legislation restricting the use of cellular telephones.
Keyword(s): Injury Prevention, Motor Vehicles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have 11 years of experience with research protocols and procedures, study design and execution, statistical analyses, database development, and data collection and management. I also have extensive experience in researching traffic safety issues, including the evaluation of passenger vehicle field performance, post-collision fires, safety belt usage, motorcycle lane-splitting, and airbag effectiveness.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
