Effectiveness of a Text Message Intervention to Reduce Texting While Driving Among Targeted Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose This randomized clinical trial tested the efficacy of a 6-week text message program to reduce texting while driving (TWD) for young adults. Methods Eligible individuals recruited from four emergency departments from December 2019 to June 2021 were aged 18–25 years who reported TWD in the past 2 weeks. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to intervention:assessment control. The intervention arm (n = 57) received an automated interactive text message program, including weekly queries about TWD for 6 weeks with feedback and goal support to promote cessation of TWD. The assessment control arm (n = 55) received identical weekly TWD queries but no additional feedback. Outcomes were collected via web-based self-assessments at 6- and 12 weeks and analyzed under intent-to-treat models, presented as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The mean (SD) age was 21.7 (2.1) years, 73 (65%) were female, and 40 (36%) were White. The 6-week follow-up rate was 77.7% (n = 87) and 12-week follow-up rate was 64.3% (n = 72). At 6 weeks, 52.6% (95% CI, 39.0%–66.0%) of intervention participants reported TWD versus 63.6% (95% CI, 49.6%–76.2%) of control participants (adjusted OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.32–1.59). At 12 weeks, 38.2% (95% CI, 22.8%–53.5%) of intervention participants reported TWD versus 69.3% (95% CI, 53.8%–84.7%) of control participants (adjusted OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11–0.80). Discussion An interactive text message intervention was more effective at reducing self-reported TWD among young adults than assessment control at 12 weeks.