Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Don’t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.

Did you know April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month? Distracted driving occurs when the driver diverts their attention from the road to focus on another activity like eating, texting, adjusting the radio and more. 

In the most recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), they found: 

  • 3,308 people were killed in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
  • An estimated 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
  • 5% of all drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2022 were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. 
  • In 2022 there were 621 nonoccupants (pedestrians, etc.) killed in distraction-affected traffic crashes.
Image of a person interacting with the touch screen in their car
Image of a person taking a photo while driving
Image of someone using their phone while driving

Phones + Driving = Dangerous

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but texting and phone use while driving has become the most prevalent type of distracted driving. In 2022 there were 368 fatal traffic crashes reported as having phone use as a distraction – that’s 12% of all fatal distraction-related crashes. 

Drive Safe Every Trip with These Tips from NHTSA

  • If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
  • Designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
  • Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. 
  • Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. 
  • If you see someone texting while driving, speak up. If your friends text while driving, tell them to stop. 
  • Listen to your passengers: If they catch you texting while driving and tell you to put your phone away, put it down.

Other Types of Distracted Driving 

Phone rendering of an instagram post that reads "Keep tabs on the road. Not your phone." in an ad to discourage distracted driving by NHTSA.

Your phone isn’t the only thing that can distract you while you’re behind the wheel. Other distractions like the ones below can be deadly while driving. 

  • Other passengers
  • Audio or climate controls
  • Using or reaching for something
  • Outside people, objects or events
  • Eating or drinking
  • Smoking
  • Inattention
  • Lost in Thought/Day Dreaming

Distracted driving is dangerous. Break the cycle. Learn more at nhtsa.gov. 

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