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NCT Number: NCT05163119

Randomized Trial on Mobile Technology and Young Drivers' Cellphone Use

The purpose of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of a cellphone app and a driving mode intervention on driving behavior in drivers aged 18-24 years.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–24 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Motao Zhu, MD,MS,PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

(614)-355-6687

Motao Zhu, MD,MS,PhD

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

For this study, 1200 teens aged 18-24 years will be randomized into one of three study groups for 6 months. Researchers aim to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial cellphone-blocking apps and driving mode interventions on cellphone use while driving and evaluate the effectiveness of commercial cellphone-blocking apps and driving mode interventions on high-risk driving events.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults 18-24 years of age at time of recruitment
  • Must have ownership and exclusive access to a passenger vehicle
  • Must have car insurance with at least state-minimum coverage
  • Must live in Greater Columbus (Ohio) area
  • Must drive at least 2 days a week on average
  • Must have functioning iPhone or Android smartphone with an active phone service account (Ex: Verizon, AT&T, etc.)
  • Must self-report handheld calling or texting while driving (≥ 1 time/week)
  • Must not be enrolled in another driving-related research study during the study period.
  • Must be willing to be randomized and comply with study requirements
  • Must have no plans to change cellphones or vehicles in next 6 months or agree to transfer FleetSafer app/DriveCam if they change cellphones or vehicles
  • Must speak and read English

Exclusion criteria

  • Drivers under 18 years of age
  • Drivers holding learner's permits
  • Drivers who share a vehicle with a family member or others
  • Infrequent drivers (Drive 2 days a week or less)
  • Participants from the pilot R21 project
  • Current users of a cellphone-blocking app or driving mode who do not agree to uninstall/de-activate the app for the duration of participation in the study
  • Current users of a car insurance monitoring device (physical device or app)

Treatment and study plan

Commercial Cellphone-Blocking App (Active)

Behavioral

The Fleetsafer app, which is a commercial cellphone app that uses a cellphone's standard sensors and function to block handheld cellphone use while driving, will be downloaded on the participant's smartphone.

Driving Mode

Behavioral

Apple's "Do Not Disturb" driving mode provided by Apple for iPhones or Google Do Not Disturb, Verizon Messages +, Android Auto or have another app, called LifeSaver installed on their Android phone (collectively referred to as driving modes; the specific driving mode for participants in this arm will be determined based on smartphone type and service provider).

Primary outcomes

  1. Calling, texting, and handheld cell phone use while driving

    Time frame: 5-month intervention period

    Number of calling occurrences, texting occurrences, and handheld phone use occurrences, per 1,000 miles driven. Higher numbers signify more calling, texting, and handheld cell phone use.

  2. High-risk driving events

    Time frame: 5-month intervention period

    Total number of high-risk driving events (e.g., hard-braking, sudden acceleration, swerving) per 1,000 miles driven. Higher numbers signify more high-risk driving events.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Motao Zhu, MD,MS,PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

(614)-355-6687

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Motao Zhu

Other

Collaborators

  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Iowa

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 20, 2021
Registry last updated
Jun 19, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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