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Nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.1
Distracted driving is doing another activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.
There are three types of driving distractions
Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. Sending a text message, talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving are a few examples of distracted driving. Any of these distractions can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road.
There are three main types of distraction:2
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
Distracted driving impacts thousands of Americans each year
- In the United States, over 3,100 people were killed and about 424,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019.1
- About 1 in 5 of the people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2019 were not in vehicles―they were walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle.1
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010-2013external icon, 2014–2018external iconand 2019external icon
You can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationexternal icon(NHTSA) website for more information on how data on motor vehicle crash deaths are collected and the limitations of distracted driving data.
Some groups are more at risk for distracted driving
Young adult and teen drivers
- Among fatal crashes involving distracted drivers in the U.S. in 2019:
- A higher percentage of drivers ages 15–20 were distracted than drivers age 21 and older.
- Among these younger drivers, 9% of them were distracted at the time of the crash.1
- A 2019 survey3 of U.S. high school students found:
- 39% of high school students who drove in the past 30 days texted or emailed while driving on at least one of those days.4
- Texting or emailing while driving was more common among older students than younger students (see figure below) and more common among White students (44%) than Black (30%) or Hispanic students (35%).4
- Texting or emailing while driving was as common among students whose grades were mostly As or Bs as among students with mostly Cs, Ds, or Fs. 4
- Students who texted or emailed while driving were also more likely to report other transportation risk behaviors.They were:
- more likely to not always wear a seat belt;
- more likely to ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol; and
- more likely to drive after drinking alcohol. 4
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationexternal icon, 2019
Sourceexternal icon: Transportation Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019
Distracted driving is preventable
What drivers can do
- Do not multitask while driving. Whether it’s adjusting your mirrors, selecting music, eating, making a phone call, or reading a text or email―do it before or after your trip, not during.
- You can use appsexternal icon to help you avoid cell phone use while driving. Consider trying an app to reduce distractions while driving.
What passengers can do
- Speak up if you are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver. Ask the driver to focus on driving.
- Reduce distractions for the driver by assisting with navigation or other tasks.
What parents can do5
- Talk to your teen or young adult about the rules and responsibilities involved in driving. Share stories and statistics related to teen/young adult drivers and distracted driving.
- Remind them driving is a skill that requires the driver’s full attention.
- Emphasize that texts and phone calls can wait until arriving at a destination.
- Familiarize yourself with your state’s graduated driver licensing systemexternal icon and enforce its guidelines for your teen.
- Know your state’s laws on distracted drivingexternal icon. Many states have novice driver provisions in their distracted driving laws. Talk with your teen about the consequences of distracted driving and make yourself and your teen aware of your state’s penalties for talking or texting while driving.
- Set consequences for distracted driving. Fill out CDC’s Parent-Teen Driving Agreementpdf icontogether to begin a safe driving discussion and set your family’s rules of the road. Your family’s rules of the road can be stricter than your state’s law. You can also use these simple and effective ways to get involved with your teen’s driving: Parents Are the Key.
- Set anexample by keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel while driving.
- Learn more: visit NHTSA’s website on safe teen drivingexternal icon.
States are working to prevent distracted driving
- Many states have enacted laws to help prevent distracted driving. These include banning texting while driving, implementing hands-free laws, and limiting the number of young passengers who can ride with teen drivers.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tracks cell phone use lawsexternal icon and young passenger restrictionsexternal icon by state.
- While the effectiveness of cell phone and texting laws requires further study, high-visibility enforcement (HVE) efforts for distracted driving laws can be effective in reducing cell phone use while driving. From 2010 to 2013, NHTSA evaluated distracted driving HVE demonstration projects in four communities. These projects increased police enforcement of distracted driving laws and increased awareness of distracted driving using radio advertisements, news stories, and similar media. After the projects were complete, observed driver cell phone use fell from:
- 4.1% to 2.7% in the Sacramento Valley Region in California,6
- 6.8% to 2.9% in Hartford, Connecticut,7
- 4.5% to 3.0% in the state of Delaware,6 and
- 3.7% to 2.5% in Syracuse, New York.7
- Graduated driver licensing (GDL) is a system which helps new drivers gain experience under low-risk conditions by granting driving privileges in stages. Comprehensive GDL systems include five components8-9, one of which addresses distracted driving: the young passenger restriction.10 CDC’s GDL Planning Guidepdf iconcan assist states in assessing, developing, and implementing actionable plans to strengthen their GDL systems.
- Some states have installed rumble strips on highways to alert drowsy, distracted, or otherwise inattentive drivers that they are about to go off the road. These rumble strips are effective at reducing certain types of crashes.10
The Federal Government is working to prevent distracted driving
- CDC has developed theParents Are the Key campaign, which helps parents, pediatricians, and communities help keep teen drivers safe on the road.
- In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the National Roadway Safety Strategypdf iconexternal icon. Part of the strategy includes supporting vehicle technology systems that detect distracted driving.
- In 2021, Congress provided resources to add distracted driving awareness as part of driver’s license exams as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawpdf iconexternal icon.
- Several federal regulations target distractions for workers:
- In 2009, President Obama issued an Executive Orderexternal icon prohibiting federal employees from texting while driving government-owned vehicles or when driving privately owned vehicles on official government business.
- In 2010, the Federal Railroad Administrationexternal icon banned cell phone and electronic device use for railroad operating employees on the job.
- In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrationexternal icon banned commercial vehicle drivers from texting while driving.
- In 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrationexternal icon banned all hand-held cell phone use by commercial drivers and drivers carrying hazardous materials.
- NHTSA has several campaignsexternal icon to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, including their annual “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign, which began in April 2014.
- NHTSA has issued voluntary guidelines to promote safety by discouraging the introduction of both original, in-vehiclepdf iconexternal icon and portable/aftermarketpdf iconexternal icon electronic devices in vehicles.
Distracted Driving Fact Sheet
This fact sheet provides an overview of distracted driving and promising strategies that are being used to address distracted driving.
Distracted Driving Summary Fact Sheet pdf icon[PDF – 660 KB]
Additional Resources
- CDC MMWR – Transportation Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019
- CDC MMWR – Mobile Device Use While Driving — United States and Seven European Countries, 2011
- NHTSA – Distracted Drivingexternal icon
- Governors Highway Safety Association – Distracted Drivingexternal icon
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Distracted Drivingexternal icon
- World Health Organization – Mobile Phone Use: A Growing Problem of Driver Distractionexternal icon
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Distracted Driving at Work
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Campaign Materialsexternal icon
References
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2021).Traffic Safety Facts Research Note: Distracted Driving 2019 (DOT HS 813 111)external icon. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC: NHTSA. Accessed 8 February 2022.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2010). Overview of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Driver Distraction Program (DOT HS 811 299)pdf iconexternal icon. U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC. Accessed 8 February 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Accessed 8 February 2022.
- Yellman, M.A., Bryan, L., Sauber-Schatz, E.K., Brener, N. (2020). Transportation Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019external icon.MMWR Suppl,69(Suppl-1),77–83.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.Teen Drivingexternal icon. Accessed 8 February 2022.
- Chaudhary, N.K., Connolly, J., Tison, J., Solomon, M., & Elliott, K. (2015). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Evaluation of the NHTSA Distracted Driving High-Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Projects in California and Delaware pdf iconexternal icon(DOT HS 812 108). U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC.
- Chaudhary, N.K., Casanova-Powell, T.D., Cosgrove, L., Reagan, I., & Williams, A. (2012). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Evaluation of NHTSA Distracted Driving Demonstration Projects in Connecticut and New York pdf iconexternal icon(DOT HS 811 635). U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Motor Vehicle Injuries. Accessed 8 February 2022.
- Venkatraman, V., Richard, C. M., Magee, K., & Johnson, K. (2021). Countermeasures that work: A highway safety countermeasures guide for State Highway Safety Offices, 10th edition, 2020 (Report No. DOT HS 813 097)pdf iconexternal icon. U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC.
- Federal Highway Administration. (2011). Technical Advisory: Shoulder and Edge Line Rumble Strips (T 5040.39, Revision 1)pdf iconexternal icon. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC: FHWA. Accessed 24 August 2020.
Page last reviewed: April 26, 2022
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
FAQs
What are the 4 types of driver distraction? ›
- Eating in the car. Drivers who eat behind the wheel are seriously limiting their ability to respond to an accident. ...
- Talking to Passengers. The most distracting passengers are often children and pets. ...
- Electronic Device Use. ...
- Grooming.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention.
What is the penalty for texting and driving in Utah? ›According to Utah's laws, anyone who is caught texting while driving could possibly face up to three months in jail, as well as a fine of as much as $750 fine, as well as a misdemeanor on their record.
What is Maggie's Law? ›Drowsy Driving Law. AKA "Maggie's Law," effective 2003. Statute deems driving “while knowingly fatigued as recklessness” and defines fatigued as “being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.” (New Jersey Legislature, 2002).
What are the 8 examples given for distracted driving? ›- Drinking While Driving, But Not Just Alcohol. ...
- Having Your Earbuds In. ...
- Eating While Driving. ...
- Grooming Yourself While Driving. ...
- Distractions from Kids or other passengers. ...
- Pets In The Car. ...
- Talking On The Phone. ...
- Adjusting your GPS.
Unsurprisingly, speeding is the biggest unsafe driving behavior in the US, as it is in many countries around the globe. Although going a few mph over the speed limit isn't that uncommon, it could be the difference between life and death if you're not careful.
What does a large diamond painted in a lane mean? ›A large diamond painted in a lane means. This lane is reserved for special traffic.
How long can you look away while driving? ›According to the Liberty Mutual, NHTSA recommends that drivers look away from the road for no more than two seconds at 70 mph.
Is a text message legally binding in Utah? ›The Utah Supreme Court has stated that all writings must include all the essential terms and provisions of a contract. This means that even if in electronic format, an email or text message could be considered a writing to satisfy the statute of frauds.
Is it legal to drive with Airpods in Utah? ›It's legal! Headphones or earbuds covering both ears are not permitted. The exceptions are motorcycle helmet audio systems, and one-ear headsets and earpieces. It's legal!
How much is a careless driving ticket in Utah? ›
| Citations | Fee |
|---|---|
| Careless Driving | $110 |
| Fail to Stop for School Bus | (1st) $260 + 10 hours compensatory service, (2nd) $500 + 20 hours compensatory service, (3rd) $1000 + 40 hours compensatory service |
| Fail to Yield to Emergency Vehicle | $160 |
| Failure to Signal | $130 |
- Talking on the phone. ...
- Texting and other phone manipulation. ...
- Talking with another passenger. ...
- Moving objects/animals in the vehicle. ...
- Adjusting audio and/or climate controls. ...
- Manipulating car components and controls. ...
- Reaching for an object or device. ...
- “Rubbernecking” and other outside distractions.
1. Texting While Driving. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Cell phone distraction rates are incredibly high.
What are 5 precautions you can do to avoid distracted driving? ›- Use your cell phone for emergency situations only. ...
- If you are drowsy, pull off the road. ...
- You should limit the number of passengers, as well as the level of activity inside the car. ...
- Avoid eating while driving. ...
- Do your multi-tasking outside the car.
“Nikki's Law” would require signs and electronic message signs to remind motorists that texting while driving is against the law.
What is Leandra's Law in NY? ›Under Leandra's Law: First time offenders driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a child less than 16 years old in the vehicle may be charged with a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in State prison.
What do truck drivers use to stay awake? ›One of the most common medications truckers take is amphetamines. These types of drugs usually cause someone to become stimulated, excited, or even euphoric. While some amphetamines can be prescribed legally (such as Adderall and Ritalin) it doesn't necessarily mean those who take those drugs are using them legally.
What are the 10 top distractions that distract drivers? ›- Use of a Mobile Phone. ...
- Rubbernecking. ...
- Passengers. ...
- Eating While Driving. ...
- Reaching for Something. ...
- Adjusting Controls in the Vehicle. ...
- Moving Objects in the Vehicle. ...
- Smoking.
Survey respondents said that texting while driving is considered the most egregious sin of all, with 93.7% in agreement. Rounding out the top 5 most annoying driving habits: tailgating (92.5%), not checking blind spots (91.5%), road rage (91.3%), and not using turn signals when changing lanes (90.2%).
What is the safest day of the week to drive? ›According to the data, weekdays are much safer times to drive, with Tuesday being the safest. On the other hand, Fridays and Saturdays can be the most dangerous times to drive with the most amount of accidents.
What is one of the most common driver mistakes? ›
- Staying in the passing/overtaking lanes. ...
- Stopping abruptly without warning. ...
- Forgetting to use the indicator signs. ...
- Switching lanes while turning. ...
- Riding the brakes. ...
- Speeding through an amber light. ...
- Not stopping at pedestrian/zebra crossings. ...
- Leaving high beams on.
Give way road markings
The triangle road marking is used to provide an extra visual aid warning drivers of a junction just ahead. this road marking may not be used on roads where there is relatively little traffic. Give way road markings are also represented by one or two broken white lines across the carriageway.
A single white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged. A dashed white line indicates that lane changes are allowed. Symbols are used to indicate permitted lane usages. A diamond indicates a lane reserved for use by high-occupancy vehicles.
Should I listen to my car radio or other devices? ›When listening to your car radio or other audio device: You should keep the volume low enough to hear outside noises, It is illegal to wear stereo (over each ear) headphones, You should keep at least one window partially open, to hear outside sounds, like emergency vehicles.
Can you look at back up camera while driving? ›You can't use your backup camera while in drive if it's only powered while you're in reverse. Second, you'll need a system to that is also powered independently of the reverse light. Again occasionally common in the DIY space even in the front cabin, and this monitor most likely needs to be aftermarket.
Which driver error causes the biggest problem? ›Distracted driving is the number one cause of driver errors. Distracted driving means that a driver's attention is taken off the road leaving them vulnerable to driving errors.
What are the 3 phases of driving? ›Most programs include three stages: Learner Stage: supervised driving, cumulating with a driving test; Intermediate Stage: limiting unsupervised driving in high risk situations; and. Full Privilege Stage: a standard driver's license.
Can screenshots of text messages be used in court? ›(§ 901(b)(11) ). You can authenticate text messages by presenting: a “copy,” a screenshot, photo, or print-out of the message that includes identifying information that links the message to the texter, and. testimony or affidavit that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the text messages.
Will a judge look at text messages? ›When can text messages be used in court? Before text messages can be introduced into a case, they have to be legally obtained as evidence. Buckfire says that if a person doesn't voluntarily provide their cell phone, an attorney can obtain a court order or subpoena to gain access to relevant messages.
Do agreements over text hold up in court? ›Generally, contracts that include an offer, consideration, capacity to contract, and acceptance, are deemed valid by the courts. This is the case for written contracts, digital legal documents, or agreements over text, email, or other forms of communication.
Can you use your phone at a red light in Utah? ›
...
Utah Distracted Driving Laws at a Glance.
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Can you send/receive texts at a red light? | X | |
| Is handheld device use permitted? | X * | |
| Any special restriction for young drivers? | X | |
| Is headphone/headset use permitted? | X |
Distracted driving laws in Utah prohibit other uses of cellphones while driving, not just texting and sending emails. It is now illegal to use a cellphone in any way except for GPS apps or hands-free voice talking while driving. But talking on the phone while using your hands is only a secondary offense.
Can you wear noise Cancelling headphones while driving? ›California has a law that prohibits drivers and bicyclists from wearing headphones while operating their vehicles. California Vehicle Code 27400 states that no person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may wear earphones, earplugs or a headset that covers, rests in or is inserted in both ears.
How long does a ticket stay on your record Utah? ›Points for individual convictions are automatically removed from your record three (3) years after the date of the violation.
What happens if you get done for careless driving? ›Careless driving (driving without due care and attention)
This could result in a driving ban, an unlimited fine, or a prison sentence of up to five years.
The penalties for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving are up to 5 years in prison, and a driving ban for a minimum of one year.
What is Maggie's Law? ›Drowsy Driving Law. AKA "Maggie's Law," effective 2003. Statute deems driving “while knowingly fatigued as recklessness” and defines fatigued as “being without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.” (New Jersey Legislature, 2002).
What are the 4 types of driver distraction? ›- Eating in the car. Drivers who eat behind the wheel are seriously limiting their ability to respond to an accident. ...
- Talking to Passengers. The most distracting passengers are often children and pets. ...
- Electronic Device Use. ...
- Grooming.
- Cognitive distraction. ...
- Cell phone use. ...
- Events outside the vehicle. ...
- Drivers may carry on conversations or even have arguments with their passengers while driving. ...
- Reaching for devices inside the vehicle.
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving.
What are the three main types of distraction? ›
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 3 main types of distraction are visual, manual, and cognitive. All of these types of distraction can apply behind the wheel: Visual distraction occurs when you take your eyes off the road.
Who are the most serious offenders of distracted driving? ›Who are the most Serious Offenders? According to NHTSA, our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are at the most risk, with 16% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under the age of 20.
What are the seven 7 driving safety basics? ›- Get Good Rest. ...
- Know the Hours of Service Regulations in Your Area. ...
- Eat Healthy While on the Road. ...
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs. ...
- Drive to the Weather Conditions. ...
- Keep Up with Regular Vehicle Maintenance. ...
- Practice Defensive Driving.
LLLC stands for look ahead, look around, leave room, and communicate. These four principles encompass all safe driving techniques, and best of all, they're easy to memorize and teach.
What are 3 ways to minimize distractions? ›- Get organized with a to-do list.
- Silence alerts and keep open Internet tabs to a minimum.
- Break big projects into small pieces.
- Use music and headphones to cut down noise.
- Find the best environment for efficient studying.
- Clean up and organize your work space.
8 Major Driving Distractions and How to Avoid Them
Distracted Driving - Top 10 Ways to Stay Focused
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
- Cognitive distraction. ...
- Cell phone use. ...
- Events outside the vehicle. ...
- Drivers may carry on conversations or even have arguments with their passengers while driving. ...
- Reaching for devices inside the vehicle.
...
Driving Distractions Study
- Using electronic devices.
- Reaching for an object inside the vehicle.
- Looking at an object or event outside of the vehicle.
- Eating.
- Applying cosmetics (makeup).
- Generally distracted or "lost in thought" ...
- Smartphone use. ...
- Other occupants. ...
- Outside person, object or event. ...
- Eating or drinking. ...
- Adjusting navigation, audio or climate controls. ...
- Adjusting other vehicle devices and controls. ...
- Moving objects.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 3 main types of distraction are visual, manual, and cognitive. All of these types of distraction can apply behind the wheel: Visual distraction occurs when you take your eyes off the road.
What are the six most unsafe driving behaviors? ›
- Drunk Driving. Safety is NHTSA's number one priority. ...
- Drug-Impaired Driving. Many types of drugs and medication, both legal and illegal, can impair your ability to drive safely. ...
- Distracted Driving. ...
- Seat Belts. ...
- Speeding. ...
- Drowsy Driving.
1. Talking on the phone. Despite widespread awareness about the dangers of using a phone while driving, the behavior persists.
What are 5 precautions you can do to avoid distracted driving? ›- Use your cell phone for emergency situations only. ...
- If you are drowsy, pull off the road. ...
- You should limit the number of passengers, as well as the level of activity inside the car. ...
- Avoid eating while driving. ...
- Do your multi-tasking outside the car.
“Kindly exercise the five C's – care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy when using the roadways.
What are the 7 essential driving techniques? ›- AVOID DISTRACTIONS.
- OBSERVE PROPER SPEED FOR CONDITIONS.
- MAINTAIN PROPER FOLLOWING DISTANCE.
- BE ATTENTIVE TO THE ROAD AHEAD.
- REACT PROPERLY TO HAZARDS.
- YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY.
- MAINTAIN ONE LANE.
Survey respondents said that texting while driving is considered the most egregious sin of all, with 93.7% in agreement. Rounding out the top 5 most annoying driving habits: tailgating (92.5%), not checking blind spots (91.5%), road rage (91.3%), and not using turn signals when changing lanes (90.2%).
What are the 10 top distractions that distract drivers? ›- Use of a Mobile Phone. ...
- Rubbernecking. ...
- Passengers. ...
- Eating While Driving. ...
- Reaching for Something. ...
- Adjusting Controls in the Vehicle. ...
- Moving Objects in the Vehicle. ...
- Smoking.
A driver is eight times more likely to be involved in a crash when reaching for an object and three times more likely to crash while eating or drinking. Distracted driving — including texting while driving — is the cause of more than 58% of crashes involving teen drivers.
What are 3 ways to minimize distractions? ›- Get organized with a to-do list.
- Silence alerts and keep open Internet tabs to a minimum.
- Break big projects into small pieces.
- Use music and headphones to cut down noise.
- Find the best environment for efficient studying.
- Clean up and organize your work space.
Why is Distracted Driving a Problem? Distractions take a motorist's attention off driving, which can make a driver miss critical events, objects, and cues or abandon control of a vehicle, all potentially leading to a crash. Distracted drivers put not only themselves at risk, but everyone else using the road.
Which correctly defines distracted driving? ›
The NHTSA defines distracted driving as "any activity that diverts attention from driving", includ- ing: a) talking or texting on one's phone, b) eating and drinking, c) talking to passengers, or d) fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system [7].