Predictors of cellphone-related distracted walking among college students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Distracted walking is dangerous, and the number of pedestrian injuries due to smartphone use has increased over time. Research is lacking at present on the reasons and motives for distracted walking. The present paper addresses this gap in the literature. We examine the nature and extent of cellphone-related distracted walking among college students and explore the role of the perceived benefits and costs of distracted walking, drawing on the Rational Choice approach. Multiple regression analysis based on survey data from a random sample of 940 college students revealed that perceptions of the necessity and safety of cellphone use predicted frequency of cellphone-related distracted walking, as did the moral belief that it was good to do so. Younger students and females were also more likely to engage in cellphone-related distracted walking. We consider the implications of the findings and provide recommendations to address this risky behavior.