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This article explores the various forms of distracted driving, including activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting in-car systems.
Published on March 17, 2025
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022. NHTSA is leading the charge to prevent this dangerous behavior. Get the facts, get involved, and help keep roads safe.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers or adjusting the stereo or navigation system. Texting is particularly dangerous, taking your eyes off the road for five seconds—at 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity increases your risk of crashing.
Get involved
We can all help end distracted driving.
Teens
Teens can be powerful messengers. Encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving distracted, have friends sign a pledge to never drive distracted, join their local Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter and share messages on social media to remind others not to drive distracted.
Parents
Parents should lead by example by never driving distracted and discussing the responsibilities of driving with their young drivers. Have everyone in the family sign a pledge to commit to distraction-free driving. Remind teens that in states with graduated driver licensing (GDL), violating distracted-driving laws could delay or suspend their license.
Educators and employers
Educators and employers can also help. Spread the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving. Encourage students and employees to commit to distraction-free driving and set a company policy on distracted driving.
Make your voice heard
If you feel strongly about distracted driving, support local laws, speak out at community meetings and highlight the dangers on social media and in local op-ed pages.
Source
NHTSA - Distracted Driving