How to Prevent Distracted Driving: An Expert Guide (2025)
Distracted driving is when anything takes your attention away from the road in front of you. Over 3,000 drivers died due to distracted driving accidents in 2017. You can prevent distracted driving by getting enough sleep before driving and leaving your cellphone in Drive Mode.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about life insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as a life insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed life insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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In 2017, almost 3,000 car crashes were caused by distracted driving, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With new drivers on the road every year, it’s important to understand what distracted driving is and how to prevent it.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when something takes a driver’s attention away from driving safely. This could be anything that takes attention away from driving such as: using a cell phone, talking with other people in the car, adjusting the radio station.
Just one thing that that takes the driver’s attention away from the road – even for just a moment – counts as a distraction. Though many associate distracted driving with cell phone use, there are three main types of distractions:
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- Visual: when a driver’s eyes are taken off the road to look at an accident or to glance at their phone.
- Manual: when a driver takes their hands off the wheel to adjust the radio volume or to eat or drink.
- Cognitive: when a driver’s mind wanders and does not focus on driving.
These types of distractions happen every day, multiple times a day. Though these moments of lost focus seem slight, circumstances can change in an instant, especially in a vehicle traveling at 60 miles per hour or faster.
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Distracted Driving Statistics
Distracted driving is an evolving issue across the country. As it becomes more prevalent, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun to collect data to help understand the scope and nature of the issue.
Here are the most relevant distracted driving statistics from the latest report:
- 3,166 people died in 2017 due to distracted driving.
- 401 fatal crashes were reported to have involved cell phone use as a distraction.
- 13% of distraction-affected accidents were caused by drivers using their cell phones.
- 599 pedestrians, bicyclists, and others were killed in distraction-affected crashes.
Texting while driving is one of the most common and most worrisome forms of distracted driving. According to the Insurance Information Institute, many drivers have opted to put away their cell phones and adopt hands-free devices, but as new drivers get on the road and technology becomes an increasingly important part of our lives, the chance of a distraction-affected accident increases.
Please note: Not all of the 2017 victims of distracted drivers were in a car. It’s essential for drivers to be aware of all people and potential obstacles in their surroundings.
Who Is at Risk of Distracted Driving?
All drivers are at risk of distracted driving. It can happen any time anyone gets behind the wheel. Even if motorists aren’t using a phone or eating while driving, thoughts can wander and take attention away from the road. However, research indicates that teenagers, young adults, and inexperienced drivers are most likely to succumb to distracted driving, which is why teens are often faced with higher insurance premiums.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 135,000 adolescents died from traffic accidents in 2016.
Their lack of experience and risky driving leaves insurance companies fearing the worst. In fact, car-related accidents are the leading cause of death in teens, as noted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). But if they follow basic safety steps and act responsibly behind the wheel, teens – all inexperienced drivers – can easily beat those odds.
While the teen driver statistics sure aren’t pretty, it is actually adults ages 20-29 that have the highest percentage of distracted driving accidents, according to the same data from the NHTSA. In 2017, young adults made up 37% of distracted drivers who were using their cell phones in fatal accidents.
Although never driving distracted will drastically lower your chances, it won’t make you immune to traffic accidents. Enter your zip code in our free tool below to compare a few of the best insurance policies in your area to ensure you’re fully protected.
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Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has a range of consequences. It could be as minor as getting a small scare when you realize how close you came to hitting someone or something, or it could result in extreme injuries and even fatalities. If the accident caused damage to another car, it is likely that legal consequences might be an impending result.
Depending on which state you’re in, penalties on insurance could burn through large portions of your money quickly, but this still pales in comparison to the lives put in danger by distracted driving.
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Distracted Driving Prevention
Distracted driving can be a danger to everyone, and it’s important to take steps to prevent it. Some states have even passed laws to try to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road.
Here are a few ways you can work to prevent distracted driving:
- Use Alternative Transportation: This can be in the form of a bike, bus, train, or ride-sharing app. Besides biking, these forms of transportation eliminate the chances of distracted driving.
- Turn Off Your Phone (or Connect to Bluetooth): As stated above, texting and calling are the number one cause of distracted driving. Leave cell phones in a bag, or turn them off completely to reduce the urge to check them.
Texting while driving increases the risk of accident 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.
- Eat Before Driving: Long days happen, and sometimes that means forgetting to eat. Instead of putting others at risk by eating on the road, pull over or stay in the parking lot until the meal is finished. The same goes for drinks.
- Graduated Driver Licensing: This program lowers driving risks for young teen drivers. They go through a three-stage system that allows them to experience driving conditions under supervision.
- Get Adequate Rest: Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous, and with today’s fast-paced world, it doesn’t just happen at night. Stop to rest by pulling over. There are many rest stops and turn outs along a highway, and even just a 20-minute nap can do wonders for alertness.
- Always Obey the Rules of the Road: There is a reason there are speed limits and driving etiquette — to keep all drivers safe. Respect the rules of the road, but always be wary of other drivers.
While cell phones are the leading cause of distracted driving, they are not the only reason. There are many other ways that drivers can become distracted, and each can have a dangerous effect.
When you’re behind the wheel, driving is your only job.
Understanding what causes distracted driving and how to prevent it can ensure roads stay safer in the future.
Case Studies: Examples of Distracted Driving Accidents
Case Study 1: The Cell Phone Distraction
A 25-year-old driver named Sarah was texting while driving on her way to work. In a moment of distraction, she failed to notice the red light ahead and crashed into the car in front of her. Both drivers suffered injuries, and Sarah’s car was severely damaged.
Case Study 2: The Passenger Conversation
John, a 19-year-old driver, was driving with his friends and engaged in an intense conversation. As he turned to respond to his friend’s comment, he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a tree. The impact caused significant injuries to all the occupants of the car.
Case Study 3: The Radio Adjustment
Mike, a 35-year-old driver, was driving to pick up his kids from school. He reached over to adjust the radio station and momentarily took his eyes off the road. During this brief distraction, he failed to notice a pedestrian crossing the street and struck them, causing severe injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. It includes actions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, using in-vehicle technologies, or engaging with passengers.
Why is distracted driving dangerous?
Distracted driving is dangerous because it significantly increases the risk of accidents. When drivers are not fully focused on the road, their reaction times are slower, and they are more likely to make errors or fail to recognize potential hazards. This can lead to collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.
How can I prevent distracted driving?
Here are some effective ways to prevent distracted driving:
- Put your phone away: Keep your phone out of sight and set it to silent or use a “do not disturb” mode while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location.
- Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors, and secure any loose items before starting your journey to minimize the need for multitasking while driving.
- Avoid eating and drinking: Try to consume food and beverages before or after your trip, as eating or drinking behind the wheel can take your focus away from driving.
- Limit in-vehicle distractions: Familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls and features before driving. Minimize interactions with complex or non-essential technologies while on the road.
- Secure children and pets: Ensure that children and pets are properly restrained and entertained to avoid distractions caused by their actions or needs.
- Be a responsible passenger: If you are a passenger, avoid engaging in activities that may distract the driver. Offer to assist with navigation or any necessary tasks.
Are there any legal consequences for distracted driving?
Yes, many jurisdictions have laws in place that prohibit distracted driving. Penalties for distracted driving vary by location but often include fines, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the laws specific to your area to avoid legal consequences.
Can distracted driving affect my insurance rates?
Yes, distracted driving can have an impact on your insurance rates. If you are involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, it may be considered an at-fault accident. Insurance companies typically increase premiums for drivers with at-fault accidents on their records. It’s always best to prioritize safe driving practices to avoid accidents and keep insurance rates low.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about life insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as a life insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed life insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.