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. 2024;48(8):757-765.
doi: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2272981. Epub 2023 Oct 28.

The role of death-related advertisements in cell phone use while driving

Cathy R Cox  1 , Robert B Arrowood  2 , Mike Kersten  3 , Katherine French  1
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The role of death-related advertisements in cell phone use while driving

Cathy R Cox et al. Death Stud. 2024.

Abstract

Approximately 25% of accidents in the United States are caused by texting while driving, prompting the creation of several media campaigns to reduce such risky behavior. The current research examined whether death-related advertisements increase cell phone use while driving. Studies 1-3 found that individuals engaged in greater distracted driving in the presence of a mortality-themed texting advertisement. Study 2 demonstrated that participants were more likely to text on their cell phone using a driving simulator, leading to more swerving and collisions after viewing a death-related (vs. neutral) poster. Finally, using eye-tracking, Study 3 showed that participants who viewed a death advertisement looked away from the road and texted more as compared to persons in the control condition. Implications and future directions are discussed.

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