Texting behind the Wheel and Beyond: A Look at Problematic Habits

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that is heavily researched. However, there are other problematic texting habits that are less well-researched. A study was performed to examine other potentially problematic texting behaviors in addition to texting while driving. Furthermore, individual differences in cognition and feelings of control were examined in relation to these texting habits. Participants completed several self-report surveys assessing texting habits, cognitive wisdom, and locus of control. It was found that those who text while driving also tend to text more during a movie, while in class, and while stopped in the car at a red light or traffic jam. It was also found that a somewhat high proportion of participants endorsed potentially problematic texting behaviors such as texting while stopped in the car and texting while about to fall asleep. It was concluded that one of the major issues with problematic texting relates to reductions in situation awareness. Additional human factors implications are discussed