The association between states' texting regulations and the prevalence of texting while driving among U.S. high school students

Abstract

PurposeTo determine which distracted driving laws were associated with decreased texting while driving among U.S. teenage drivers. MethodsData from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey were merged with states' distracted driving legislation. The prevalence of texting while driving was assessed for different laws using log-binomial regression. ResultsApproximately 39.0% of students reported texting while driving at least once in the 30 days before survey. Compared to states with universal texting bans along with young driver all cellphone bans, the adjusted ratio of texting while driving was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–1.16) in states with no bans, 1.33 (95% CI, 1.11–1.58) for young driver bans only, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.00–1.52) in states with bans for young drivers but no young driver all cellphone bans, and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.66–1.19) in states with universal texting bans. The prevalence of texting was 28% less in states with delays of full licensure for texting offenses (prevalence ratio = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59–0.88). ConclusionsUniversal texting bans along with young driver all cellphone bans may be more effective in reducing texting while driving. Delays of full licensure may dissuade young drivers from texting and driving.