| The purpose of the proposed study was to determine whether there is a correlation between attitudes toward the use of handheld cellular telephone devices while driving and the use of such devices while driving, with particular interest in the role of gender, age, marital status, parental status, age of children, having a disability, level of education, and ethnicity as moderators. There is national interest in discouraging or eliminating the use of handheld devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) while driving in light of their high correlation with vehicular accidents. Many states have enacted laws and awareness campaigns about the dangers of distracted driving where the use of handheld devices is commonplace. This study provided insight into current attitudes toward the use of handheld devices while driving while also providing evidence about the degree to which attitudes about the practice influences behavior. This survey-based quantitative study explored the attitudes of drivers from a selected location in the Boston area and electronically. Data was analyzed using regression and multiple moderated regression models. Results of this study can be used to inform research and practice in the area of driver education and public health. The study comprises of an explanation of the problem and purpose statements in Chapter I, a comprehensive literature review in Chapter II, a section on the methodology in Chapter III, a results section in Chapter IV, and a summary of the recommendations and conclusions in Chapter V. |
