RT Article
T1 Social Learning and Distracted Driving among Young Adults
JF American journal of criminal justice
VO 45
IS 5
SP 821
OP 843
A1 Tontodonato, Pamela
A2 Drinkard, Allyson
LA English
YR 2020
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1764208234
AB This paper examines the relevance of Akers’ social learning theory (Akers and Jensen 2006 ; Akers and Jennings 2009 ) for the problem of distracted driving. Distracted driving is widespread and dangerous, with many drivers, particularly youthful ones, continuing to engage in such driving despite knowledge of its risks (see, e.g., Atchley et al. 2011 ; Prat et al. 2017 ). Much of the research to date is limited to texting; however, in recent years, cell phones have become major tools for entertainment and information, especially among younger people, resulting in the emergence of newer forms of distracted driving. Explanations of distracted driving from a criminological approach are limited (Quisenberry 2015 is an exception), yet criminological theory can contribute to our understanding of this relatively new and expanding form of deviance. Drawing on social learning theory, we explore the attitudes and behaviors of 935 college students regarding ‘traditional’ and newer types of phone-related distracted driving, as well as their perceptions of self and others’ cell phone use. Multivariate analysis indicates support for some of the social learning concepts, with definitions and one of the differentialreinforcement measures standing out in particular (perceived benefits of cell phone use while driving). We consider the implications of these findings for theory and policy.
K1 Social Learning Theory
K1 Cell phone use while driving
K1 Texting while driving
K1 Distracted driving
DO 10.1007/s12103-020-09516-6