Distracted Walking, Bicycling, and Driving: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mobile Technology and Youth Crash Risk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

96 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article examined the impact of mobile technology on young pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. A systematic search yielded 41 articles meeting inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed, published before February 1, 2016, behavioral outcome related to pedestrian, bicycling, or driving in the presence of mobile technology use, youth sample. Eleven studies were meta-analyzed to evaluate increased risk for crash/near-crash while distracted. Risk of bias and quality of research were assessed. Across methodologies, developmental stages, and type of distracting task, mobile technology use impairs youth safety on the road. Quality of evidence was low (pedestrian) to moderate (driving). Findings are discussed from the perspective of cognitive and visual distractions. Policy and behavioral efforts should continue to reduce mobile technology use in transportation settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)118-128
Number of pages11
JournalChild Development
Volume89
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 The Authors. Child Development © 2017 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute on AgingP30AG022838
National Institute on Aging
NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentR21HD078371, R01HD088415
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
    • Education
    • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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