Texts, Pets, and Tunes: How Everyday Driving Distractions Endanger Lives

Our fast-paced and hyper-connected world is fueled by the constant go, go, go of multitasking. Whether you’re in a Zoom meeting at work while simultaneously typing on your laptop or checking personal phone messages, preparing dinner and streaming the latest shows, or driving to pick up kids while fiddling with your playlist, most of us are doing more than one thing at a time. While many of these simultaneous activities might seem harmless—perhaps you missed a key point from your boss or forgot a crucial ingredient for your casserole—there's one area where multitasking can have dire consequences: behind the wheel, where distracted driving has become a serious threat to road safety.

In 2024, distracted driving was a leading cause of vehicle-related accidents in the U.S., resulting in over 390,000 crashes, 3,000 deaths, and thousands of injuries. While many associate distracted driving with teen drivers, those ages 25 to 34 are involved in more distracted driving-related fatal car accidents than any other age group. It’s not just other drivers on the road who are impacted by a distracted driver: Nearly 600 pedestrians and bicyclists are killed every year because of inattentive drivers.

Keep your eyes on the road: What is distracted driving?

Many of us think distracted driving is just texting or using a cell phone while driving. However, it encompasses much more. It refers to any activity that diverts your attention from driving, such as talking or texting, eating or drinking, chatting with passengers, comforting your pet, or fiddling with your car dashboard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies distracted driving into three categories:

1. Visual distractions:

This includes anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone, scenery, GPS, road signs, or billboards.

2. Manual distractions:

These are activities that require you to take one or both hands off the steering wheel, such as eating, drinking, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio or navigation system.

3. Cognitive distractions:

These distractions take your mind off driving, such as daydreaming, singing, or talking with others in your vehicle.

Regardless of the type of distraction, any of them can result in a serious or fatal accident. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph with your eyes off the road. Consider these instances that could happen within five seconds:

• A driver receives a text message and decides to respond while driving. In the few seconds it takes to type a reply, he fails to notice a red light and collides with another vehicle, resulting in injuries to both parties.
• A commuter grabs her coffee while driving. As she juggles taking her hands off the wheel, she spills coffee on her lap, causing her to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a guardrail.
• A driver is cruising to his destination but becomes distracted while adjusting the GPS. He fails to notice a pedestrian crossing the street and causes a serious accident.

Avoid insurance roadblocks.

Distracted driving not only impacts your safety and the safety of others, but if you’re cited for distracted driving or involved in related accidents, it can significantly affect your insurance coverage:

Increase rates: If you’re involved in an accident due to distracted driving, your insurance premiums will likely increase. Insurance companies view distracted driving as a high-risk behavior and will typically raise your premiums and sometimes deductibles to offset losses related to your increased risks.

Whether your insurance premiums increase depends on your insurance company and state, but on average, insurance rates could rise about 57% after one at-fault accident. After two at-fault accidents, you may expect a 123% rate increase.

Liability claims: If you’re found at fault for an accident caused by distracted driving that results in injuries to another driver or passenger, you may be responsible for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. This could lead to a personal liability claim or lawsuit against you, resulting in substantial financial repercussions.

Nonrenewal or policy cancellation: If you or a loved one has multiple distracted driving incidents, your insurance provider may choose not to renew your coverage or cancel your policy altogether, making it harder to secure coverage from other providers in the future.

Pay attention because it’s the law!

Currently, all 50 states have implemented laws aimed at reducing distracted driving, although the strictness of these laws varies.

Most states (48) have enacted bans on texting while driving, and several have introduced mandates for hands-free devices to reduce the risks associated with mobile phone use while driving. These mandates mean you can’t just chat on your phone without a hands-free setup. These laws are designed to minimize distractions and ensure that drivers remain attentive to the road, thereby preventing accidents linked to cell phone use.

Despite the widespread implementation of regulations, there are notable variations in distracted driving laws from state to state. For instance, some states impose stricter penalties for violations, which may include substantial fines or even license suspensions for repeat offenders. For specific laws in your state, please review here or contact your state Department of Motor Vehicle Safety. 

Pull over for risk mitigation tips.

While you can’t prevent other drivers from hitting the road with a car full of distractions, you can take steps to reduce your personal risk. Preparation and education are key to ensuring you safely reach your destination.

Here are some helpful tips from industry experts on how you can minimize your risk:

1. Put your phone down and keep it there. Use apps that block notifications while driving or set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" mode. If you must make a call or text someone, pull over before doing so.

2. Prepare for your trip. Whether it’s a quick store run or a longer road trip, set your GPS and adjust your music before you start driving. Familiarize yourself with the route to minimize distractions.

3. Avoid eating meals on the go. Try to eat and drink before or after your drive. If you must eat while driving, consider pulling over to a rest area or parking in a safe location to do so.

4. Store loose objects before hitting the road. This includes your keys, glasses, phone, Chapstick, kids’ toys, and anything else that could fall between the seats or by your feet during a turn or sudden stop.

5. Check and adjust the inside and outside of your vehicle. Inspect your tires, windows, bumpers, wiper blades, and other items to ensure nothing is loose that could rattle and distract you. Adjust your seat, mirrors, and climate controls before pressing the gas.

6. Get ready at home. Finish putting on makeup, shaving, and brushing your teeth before you hit the road.

7. Limit the number of passengers. Try to limit the passengers in your vehicle, especially young children and pets, as they can be particularly distracting. If you’re driving with children, have a plan to keep them occupied. If driving with pets, ensure they’re secure and not moving around inside the vehicle.

8. Activate safety features in your vehicle. Many modern vehicles allow you to set up voice command features to make calls or send messages without taking your hands off the wheel. Additionally, newer models have anti-sway and lane change alerts that notify you when you’re too close to other vehicles. Make sure these features are activated to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

9. Minimize driving while tired and take breaks on long trips. Stay focused on the road. If you find yourself daydreaming or distracted by your thoughts, take a moment to refocus or consider going at another time. On longer drives, be sure to take regular breaks to rest your eyes. This can help you stay alert and focused.

10. Consider purchasing advanced technology with safety features. Dash cameras are becoming essential tools for enhancing driver safety on the roads. The presence of a dash camera can deter reckless driving behaviors, both from the driver and other road users. Plus, these devices continuously record video footage while driving, providing a reliable account of events in case of an accident or incident. Many dash cameras come equipped with features such as collision detection, which can automatically save footage when a sudden impact is detected, ensuring critical moments are captured. This evidence can be invaluable in determining fault and protecting drivers from fraudulent claims. However, it’s important to note that if you’re the one driving recklessly, the footage may be used against you. (Remember, like other vehicle devices, be sure to set up your dash cam before you hit the road.)

11. Educate and monitor teen drivers. While many teens have access to driver education courses, and some states require it, it’s important for parents to continue reinforcing this education and promoting safe driving habits. Additionally, the latest apps designed to monitor teen driving are proving to be valuable tools for parents looking to ensure their children's safety on the road. These apps often include features such as real-time GPS tracking and alerts for unsafe driving behaviors, enabling parents to address these issues promptly. 

Engage with an expert risk advisor (not your back seat driver)!

By understanding what constitutes distracted driving and recognizing its potential impacts on road safety and insurance, you can contribute to safer roads for everyone. If you need assistance reviewing your risks and those associated with your immediate family members (like young drivers) and how to adequately insure against those risks, consult your insurance or risk advisor. And above all, let’s all do our part and stay focused while driving.