Distracted driving accidents are preventable when drivers keep their focus on the road. And according to an online survey of drivers, nearly 60 percent of people said they would be more likely to stop driving distracted if a friend or passenger demands that they do. Together, we can all help encourage safe, responsible driving behavior on the road by choosing not to drive distracted and demanding that our loved ones, friends, classmates, neighbors and rideshare drivers stop before picking up their phones behind the wheel. There are many ways to stop distracted driving behavior before it results in an accident. How will you say ‘no’ to distracted driving?
Get the Facts
‘Just a second’ is one second too many.
Whenever a driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel and their mind off of driving, even for a moment, they are driving distracted – and putting themselves and others at risk. In fact, removing your eyes from the road for just two seconds doubles the risk for a crash. (Source: NHTSA)
There isn’t an age limit on driving distracted.
While the use of handheld devices behind the wheel continues to be higher among teens ages 16-24, cellphone-related fatal crashes disproportionately affect drivers under age 35. Drivers ages 25-34 made up 22 percent of drivers in fatal crashes, but were nearly one-third of drivers distracted by cell phones in fatal crashes. (Source: NHTSA)
Texting is not the only distraction.
While texting is the primary focus of many state laws, any activity that takes a driver’s eyes/mind off the road in favor of their mobile screen is a distraction. For example, checking email, finding a song or podcast, looking up directions, scrolling social media or taking a photo/selfie. The percent of drivers manipulating hand-held electronic devices (texting, app use, etc.) increased 127% from 2012-2021. (Source: NHTSA)
The impact of driving distracted reaches beyond the driver’s seat.
A driver’s choice to pick up their mobile phone when they are behind the wheel can lead to devastating consequences that affect their families and friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors – and the community as a whole. More than 80 percent of those who lost their lives in accidents involving a distracted driver were passengers, and 1 in 5 weren’t even in the vehicle; they were walking, riding their bikes or otherwise outside the vehicle. (Source: NHTSA)
Department of Transportation National Roadway Safety Strategy
The United States Department of Transportation National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) outlines the Department’s comprehensive approach to significantly reducing serious injuries and deaths on our Nation’s highways, roads, and streets.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA leads the fight nationally against distracted driving by educating Americans about its dangers and partnering with the states and local police to enforce laws against distracted driving that help keep us safe.
AT&T
Join AT&T’s It Can Wait movement and help make an impact. Use these resources to help raise awareness and put an end to distracted driving in your community.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile encourages you to use your phone in a safe and sensible manner, especially while driving. Remember to avoid distractions; keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Verizon
Verizon recognizes that the misuse of mobile devices by drivers is a leading cause of distracted driving accidents. The same technology that lets us connect to the world can lead to tragedy when drivers choose to take their eyes off the road in favor of their mobile screens.