Reducing crash risk for young drivers: Protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to improve young driver sleep
Simon S. Smith,
Kalina R. Rossa,
Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo,
Cassandra L. Pattinson,
Dwayne L. Mann,
Shannon L. Edmed,
Paul M. Salmon,
Karen A. Sullivan
Affiliations
Simon S. Smith
Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Corresponding author. Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Kalina R. Rossa
Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Shamsi Shekari Soleimanloo
Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Cassandra L. Pattinson
Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Dwayne L. Mann
Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Shannon L. Edmed
Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Paul M. Salmon
Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia
Karen A. Sullivan
School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University ofTechnology, Brisbane, Australia
Background: Road trauma is a leading cause of death and disability for young Australians (15–24 years). Young adults are overrepresented in crashes due to sleepiness, with two-thirds of their fatal crashes attributed to sleepy driving. This trial aims to examine the effectiveness of a sleep extension and education program for improved road safety in young adults. Methods: Young adults aged 18–24 years (n = 210) will be recruited for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial employing a placebo-controlled, parallel-groups design. The intervention group will undergo sleep extension and receive education on sleep, whereas the placebo control group will be provided with information about diet and nutrition. The primary outcomes of habitual sleep and on-road driving performance will be assessed via actigraphy and in-vehicle accelerometery. A range of secondary outcomes including driving behaviours (driving simulator), sleep (diaries and questionnaire) and socio-emotional measures will be assessed. Discussion: Sleep is a modifiable factor that may reduce the risk of sleepiness-related crashes. Modifying sleep behaviour could potentially help to reduce the risk of young driver sleepiness-related crashes. This randomised control trial will objectively assess the efficacy of implementing sleep behaviour manipulation and education on reducing crash risk in young adult drivers.
