Probability of Dying in a Distracted Driving Crash

Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in the United States in 2022, according to NHTSA. This figure is widely considered an undercount because distraction is difficult to prove and often goes unreported in crash investigations. The true toll may be significantly higher.

Texting while driving is the most alarming distraction. At 55 mph, sending a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Other common distractions include using GPS, eating, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, and grooming.

Young drivers under 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. Hands-free laws have been adopted in most states, and studies show they can reduce handheld phone use by about 50%. However, research indicates that hands-free devices still cause significant cognitive distraction. The most effective protection remains putting the phone away entirely while driving.