Exploring key factors of illegal smartphone use and aberrant driving behaviours while driving with children: A comparative study between parent and grandparent caregivers

Children are arguably the most precious occupants a vehicle can transport. As such it is important that their caregivers drive as safely as possible. This study aimed to investigate the key factors associated with illegal smartphone use and aberrant driving behaviours among caregivers while transporting children. In addition, it examined whether these factors differ between parent and grandparent caregivers. An online questionnaire was completed by 466 parents (M = 34.1 years, S·D. = 6.6, Range = 21.0–53.0 years) and 488 grandparents (M = 55.0 years, S·D. = 6.9, Range = 43.0–64.0 years). The survey included work stress, mindfulness, nomophobia (i.e., fear of being without a smartphone), illegal smartphone use while driving, and aberrant driving behaviours. A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to examine the factors associated with illegal smartphone use and aberrant driving behaviours among caregivers when transporting children. The most frequently reported smartphone use while transporting children included using an app, talking, and reading messages. The SEM results revealed that increased self-reported work stress was associated with higher levels of nomophobia, more illegal smartphone use and aberrant driving behaviours (including violations, errors, and lapses) among caregivers. Caregivers with higher levels of mindfulness reported lower levels of work stress and nomophobia, as well as less illegal smartphone use and aberrant driving behaviours. Compared to grandparents, parents reported higher levels of work stress and nomophobia, lower levels of mindfulness, more smartphone use and aberrant driving behaviours while transporting children. These findings highlighted the associations between caregivers' work stress and their aberrant driving behaviours when transporting children, and underscored the potential of mindfulness interventions for caregivers in improving child occupant travel safety. Involving grandparents in sharing the caregiving burden may be a feasible strategy to enhance child travel safety; however, potential safety risks still exist.