The prevalence and correlates of texting while driving among a population-based sample of Ontario students

The Prevalence of Several Risky Driving Behaviors and Associated Crash Risk in Adolescent: A Population-Based Study of Tuscany Region

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of numerous risky driving behaviors (RDBs) and the associated risk of road traffic accidents (RTA) in a population-based sample of adolescent drivers (14–19 years) of Tuscany, Italy.

Methods: The frequency of participation -by age and sex- often RDBs were investigated: Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the association between RDBs and the risk of RTA and severe RTA.

Results: 2,737 adolescents were included in the study. Talking to passenger(s), listening to loud music, speeding, and texting showed the highest weekly participation rates. For all the considered RDBs, the frequency of participation significantly increased with age. Males reported a significantly higher participation in speeding, DUI of alcohol or drugs; while females reported listening to loud music and talking to passenger(s) more frequently. All the considered RDBs were significantly associated with the risk of RTA and severe RTA.

Conclusion: The prevalence of RDBs and the associated risk of RTA largely varied in adolescents. Findings provide evidence for tailoring prevention interventions and suggest the need to include common- but traditionally overlooked- RDBs in road safety campaigns.

Assessing the impact of the 2015 introduction of increased penalties and enhanced public awareness and enforcement activities on texting while driving among adults in Ontario, Canada

Objective: Texting while driving (TWD) is considered a particularly hazardous form of distracted driving. It is highly prevalent among young drivers, but fewer studies of TWD among adult drivers exist and these prevalence rates may approach those of younger drivers. The effectiveness of measures to prevent distracted driving, and TWD specifically, is unclear. On September 1, 2015, Ontario introduced increased penalties for distracted driving accompanied by public education programs to increase public awareness of the new regulations. Provincial police also introduced enhanced enforcement efforts. The current study examined self-reported TWD in a representative sample of Ontario adults before and after introduction of the new legislation and the enhanced public education and enforcement efforts.Methods: Data were based on telephone interviews with 1,846 respondents who reported having driven in the past year. Data were derived from the 2015-2016 cycles of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor, an ongoing cross-sectional telephone survey of adults aged 18+ years in Ontario, Canada. A binary logistic regression analysis of TWD in the previous 30 days was conducted, adjusting for demographic characteristics (sex, age), driving exposure, and introduction of the legislation (before versus after).Results: The proportion of the sample reporting TWD declined significantly from 37.6% before the law was introduced to 24.2% after the law was introduced. The impact appeared to be most pronounced among drivers who reported TWD more frequently. Adjusted odds of TWD declined 42% following introduction of the legislation and associated enhanced public education and enforcement.Conclusions: These results identify a decrease in TWD following the introduction of enhanced penalties with corresponding public education and enforcement efforts, adding to the existing evaluative evidence base to inform transportation safety policy. These results also support the need to examine TWD and its determinants among all age groups.

Digital media: Promoting healthy screen use in school-aged children and adolescents

Digital media are integrated into the everyday lives of children and adolescents, with potential benefits and risks for learning, mental and physical health, and for social life. This statement examines the cognitive, psychosocial, and physical effects of digital media on school-aged children and adolescents, with a focus on family routines, context, and activities. Evidence-based guidance for clinicians and families involves four principles: healthy management, meaningful screen use, positive modelling, and balanced, informed monitoring of screen time and behaviours.

Les médias numériques : la promotion d'une saine utilisation des écrans chez les enfants d'âge scolaire et les adolescents

Les médias numériques font partie du quotidien des enfants et des adolescents. Ils comportent des bienfaits potentiels et des risques pour leur apprentissage, leur santé mentale et physique et leur vie sociale. Le présent document de principes aborde les effets cognitifs, psychosociaux et physiques de ces médias sur les enfants d'âge scolaire et les adolescents, notamment sur les habitudes, le contexte et les activités de la famille. Les conseils fondés sur des données probantes destinés aux cliniciens et aux familles reposent sur quatre principes : une gestion saine, une utilisation constructive, un exemple positif et une surveillance équilibrée et éclairée du temps d'écran et des comportements s'y rapportant.