Paul E Nevin1, Laura Blanar2,3, Annie Phare Kirk4, Amy Freedheim5, Robert Kaufman2, Laura Hitchcock4, Jennifer D Maeser2, Beth E Ebel2,3,6,7. 1. Department of Global Health, University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA. 2. Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. 3. Departments of Health Services and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. 4. Public Health-Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington USA. 5. King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle, Washington USA. 6. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. 7. Seattle Children's Hospital and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In response to the rise of distracted driving, many countries and most US states have adopted laws to restrict the use of handheld phones for drivers. Specific provisions of each law and the overall social mores of distracted driving influence enforceability and impact. OBJECTIVES: Identify multilevel interdependent factors that influence distracted driving enforcement through the perspective of police officers. DESIGN/ METHODS: We conducted focus group discussions with active duty law enforcement officers from three large Washington State counties. Our thematic analysis used descriptive and pattern coding that placed our findings within a social ecological framework to facilitate targeted intervention development. RESULTS: Participants reported that the distracted driving law posed challenges for consistent and effective enforcement. They emphasised the need to change social norms around distracted driving, similar to the shifts seen around impaired driving. Many participants were themselves distracted drivers, and their individual knowledge, attitude and beliefs influenced enforcement. Participants suggested that law enforcement leaders and policymakers should develop and implement policies and strategies to prioritise and motivate increased distracted driving enforcement. CONCLUSIONS: Individual, interpersonal, organisational and societal factors influence enforcement of distracted driving laws. Targeted interventions should be developed to address distracted driving and sustain effective enforcement. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
BACKGROUND: In response to the rise of distracted driving, many countries and most US states have adopted laws to restrict the use of handheld phones for drivers. Specific provisions of each law and the overall social mores of distracted driving influence enforceability and impact. OBJECTIVES: Identify multilevel interdependent factors that influence distracted driving enforcement through the perspective of police officers. DESIGN/ METHODS: We conducted focus group discussions with active duty law enforcement officers from three large Washington State counties. Our thematic analysis used descriptive and pattern coding that placed our findings within a social ecological framework to facilitate targeted intervention development. RESULTS:Participants reported that the distracted driving law posed challenges for consistent and effective enforcement. They emphasised the need to change social norms around distracted driving, similar to the shifts seen around impaired driving. Many participants were themselves distracted drivers, and their individual knowledge, attitude and beliefs influenced enforcement. Participants suggested that law enforcement leaders and policymakers should develop and implement policies and strategies to prioritise and motivate increased distracted driving enforcement. CONCLUSIONS: Individual, interpersonal, organisational and societal factors influence enforcement of distracted driving laws. Targeted interventions should be developed to address distracted driving and sustain effective enforcement. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
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