Every day, countless drivers take their eyes off the road—sometimes for just a second—and in that moment, lives can change forever. Even a seemingly harmless glance at your phone can take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road today, yet many people still don't fully understand what it means or how dangerous it can be.
In this guide, we’ll explore how the official definition of distracted driving, the most common types of distractions, and why even minor lapses in attention can lead to serious consequences.
So, what is the definition of distracted driving? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes everything from texting and talking on the phone to eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming.
The Three Main Categories of Distracted Driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breaks it down into three main categories:
In other words, distracted driving isn’t limited to texting behind the wheel. Here are some real-world examples that fall under the umbrella of distraction:
Distracted driving affects all age groups, but young drivers, especially teenagers and young adults (ages 16–24), are the most affected. Here’s a breakdown by age group:
Distracted driving doesn't just lead to heartbreaking loss and injury—it hits your wallet hard, too. Whether you manage a fleet of vehicles for your workplace, or your family, one moment of inattention can result in costly collisions, skyrocketing insurance premiums, legal fees, and long-term financial strain.
When insurance companies quote car insurance premiums, they rely on statistical data as well as your personal driving record to determine the level of risk they’re taking on with you. Higher premiums aren’t a punishment, but rather a price commensurate with the likelihood of one day having to cover the cost of an accident.
Nationwide, the average cost of adding a teen driver to a family’s car insurance policy is $250 a month. As teenagers get more experience behind the wheel, assuming that experience is positive, rates may gradually decrease. For more information on other factors affecting insurance rates, check out this article from Car and Driver.
On top of that, there are legal penalties to consider, including hefty fines and potential license suspension for distracted driving citations. These consequences often follow drivers for years, leaving a lasting mark on their records—and their budgets.
Distracted driving poses a significant risk in the workplace, with motor vehicle crashes being the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Employers can mitigate this risk by implementing comprehensive policies that prohibit all forms of cell phone use while driving, including hands-free devices. Such policies not only enhance employee safety but also protect organizations from potential liabilities, as employers have faced substantial legal consequences for crashes involving distracted driving.
To support these initiatives, the National Safety Council offers a free Safe Driving Kit, which provides resources for building leadership support and communicating policies to employees. By fostering a culture of attentive driving, employers can safeguard their workforce and contribute to broader road safety efforts.
Is distracted driving illegal?
Yes, in most states, distracted driving—especially texting, posting on social media, or using a handheld device while driving—is illegal and can result in fines, points on your license, and even increased insurance premiums and mandatory safe driving classes. Laws vary by state, but the trend is toward stricter enforcement and harsher penalties.
What percentage of crashes are caused by distracted driving?
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, contributing to approximately 8 to 10 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States each year. That number is likely even higher when considering underreported cases where distraction wasn't confirmed.
How many people die from distracted driving annually?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people die annually in crashes involving distracted drivers. These deaths are preventable, making awareness and accountability crucial.
Is distracted driving as bad as drunk driving?
They’re both responsible for tens of thousands of preventable deaths, reports the risk solutions company LexisNexis in an article entitled “Is distracted driving the new DUI?” “There were 10,546 fatalities due to distracted driving in 2019, and 13,384 due to drunk driving in 2021. And they are both costly. In 2019, the most recent year for which cost data is available, the economic impact of distracted driving was over $98 billion, and drunk driving over $68 billion,” their most recent data states.
Is hands-free mode safe?
While using your car or phone’s hands-free mode is generally not illegal, one study conducted by AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety found that it doesn’t eliminate cognitive distraction—the mental focus taken away from driving when you're engaged in a conversation. Studies have shown that even talking hands-free can impair reaction times and situational awareness. So while it's a better option than texting or holding a device, the safest approach is still to minimize all distractions whenever possible.
