Distracted driving continues to be one of the most dangerous behaviors on American roads, claiming thousands of lives each year. As we move through 2025, the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other research organizations reveals both persistent challenges and encouraging signs of progress. This comprehensive guide examines the most current distracted driving statistics, legislative changes, and what they mean for drivers across the United States.
What Are the Latest Distracted Driving Statistics for 2025?
The most recent complete data available comes from NHTSA’s 2023 crash statistics, released in early 2025. These figures paint a sobering picture of distracted driving’s continued impact on road safety, while also showing modest improvements compared to previous years.
Key Distracted Driving Statistics (2023 Data)
According to NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Marketing division and National Center for Statistics and Analysis:
- 3,275 people were killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2023, representing approximately 8% of all traffic fatalities
- 324,819 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers
- 8% of fatal crashes were reported as distraction-affected
- 13% of injury crashes involved distracted driving
- 13% of all police-reported crashes were classified as distraction-affected
- 611 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants were killed in distraction-affected crashes
- 397 people died specifically in crashes involving cellphone-related distractions
Year-Over-Year Comparison
The data shows a slight decrease from previous years. According to the National Safety Council’s analysis of NHTSA data:
- 2023: 3,275 fatalities (1% decrease from 2022)
- 2022: 3,308-3,315 fatalities
- 2021: 3,522 fatalities
While any decrease is welcome, experts caution that distracted driving fatalities are likely significantly underreported. A 2023 NHTSA study found that when accounting for unreported incidents, distraction may have been involved in as many as 29% of all crashes in 2019, resulting in over 10,500 fatalities—more than three times the officially reported numbers.
2024 Preliminary Data Shows Continued Improvement
According to Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics provider, distracted driving dropped 8.6% in 2024—marking the second consecutive year of improvement. This reduction is estimated to have prevented approximately 105,000 crashes, 59,000 injuries, 480 fatalities, and $4.2 billion in economic damages.
Drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 56 seconds per driving hour interacting with their phone screens in 2024, the lowest level since 2020. Phone motion distraction (physically handling phones) also declined 11.3% to 1 minute and 22 seconds per driving hour.
Who Is Most at Risk? Age-Related Statistics
Distracted driving disproportionately affects certain age groups, with younger drivers being particularly vulnerable. According to NHTSA’s 2023 distracted driving research:
- Drivers aged 15-20 represent 9% of all drivers in fatal crashes but account for 11% of distracted drivers and 15% of drivers distracted by cellphones in fatal crashes
- 7% of drivers aged 15-20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted—the highest proportion of any age group
- Drivers aged 25-34 are also overrepresented in distraction-affected fatal crashes
- Drivers aged 18-34 are more likely to die in distraction-affected crashes than any other age group, according to NHTSA
- Younger drivers (16-24) have the highest observed rate of manipulating handheld devices at 7.7%, compared to 2.8% for drivers aged 25-69
Teen-specific statistics are particularly concerning:
- 39% of high school students admit to texting or emailing while driving
- Distracted driving, including texting, is a factor in more than 58% of crashes involving teen drivers
- 4 in 10 teens aged 12-17 report riding with a driver who used their cellphone dangerously
Types of Distracted Driving
The NHTSA categorizes distracted driving into three main types, and understanding these categories is essential for recognizing and avoiding dangerous behaviors:
Visual Distractions
Activities that take your eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone screen, checking GPS, or glancing at passengers.
Manual Distractions
Activities that take your hands off the wheel, including reaching for objects, eating, drinking, or adjusting vehicle controls.
Cognitive Distractions
Activities that take your mind off driving, such as having an intense conversation, daydreaming, or being emotionally upset.
Why Texting Is the Most Dangerous Distraction
Texting while driving is uniquely hazardous because it combines all three types of distraction simultaneously. Consider these facts:
- Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately 5 seconds
- At 55 mph, that’s equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed
- Texting slows driver reaction time by 35%, compared to 12% for drinking alcohol up to the legal limit
- The percent of fatal distraction-affected crashes involving cellphone use was 12% in 2023
The Growing Role of In-Vehicle Technology
While cellphones remain the primary concern, in-vehicle technology increasingly contributes to driver distraction. Touchscreen infotainment systems, navigation controls, and connected vehicle features all compete for drivers’ attention. NHTSA’s 2023 National Occupant Protection Use Survey found that 3.0% of drivers were observed visibly manipulating handheld electronic devices—a 36% increase from 2.2% in 2014.
Distracted Driving Laws in 2025
The legislative landscape for distracted driving has evolved significantly, with a clear trend toward stronger hands-free laws across the country.
Current State of Hands-Free Laws
As of late 2025, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association:
- 31 states plus Washington D.C. now have comprehensive hands-free driving laws
- 48 states ban texting while driving for all drivers
- 36 states restrict all cellphone use by novice drivers
- 23 states ban any cellphone use by school bus drivers
New Hands-Free Laws in 2025
Several states have recently enacted or strengthened hands-free legislation:
Iowa (July 1, 2025): Iowa became the 31st state to enact hands-free legislation when Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 22 into law on April 2, 2025. The law includes a six-month warning period through December 31, 2025, followed by full enforcement with $100 fines for violations.
South Carolina (September 1, 2025): The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act prohibits drivers from holding or supporting mobile devices while driving. First violations result in a fine only, while subsequent violations include fines up to $200 and points on the driving record.
Louisiana (August 1, 2025): Louisiana’s new hands-free law makes it illegal to hold or manually use a phone while driving. Only hands-free calls or mounted navigation devices are permitted, with stricter rules for teen and permit-holding drivers.
Colorado (January 1, 2025): Colorado’s hands-free law has shown early success, with the Colorado Department of Transportation reporting a 19% drop in inattentive-driving crashes within just five months of implementation.
Missouri (January 1, 2025): The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law took effect, with minimum fines of $150 for violations, escalating to up to $500 in school or work zones, and potential jail time for crashes causing serious injuries or fatalities.
States Seeing Results from Hands-Free Laws
Research demonstrates that hands-free laws are effective when properly enforced. According to a GHSA and Cambridge Mobile Telematics report, states that implemented hands-free laws in 2023 (Ohio, Alabama, Michigan, and Missouri) have seen an average 11.8% decrease in distracted driving since their laws began, preventing an estimated 31,000 crashes and 140 fatalities.
Michigan leads these states with an 18.7% reduction in distracted driving since its law took effect 18 months ago, with a 29% reduction in just the last three months of 2024.
Ohio has reported nearly 15,400 fewer motor vehicle crashes and 138 fewer traffic fatalities in the first year after implementing their hands-free law.
The Economic Impact of Distracted Driving
Beyond the tragic human toll, distracted driving carries enormous financial consequences:
- The economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in 2019 was estimated at $340 billion, with $98.2 billion attributed specifically to distracted driving
- The 8.6% reduction in distracted driving during 2024 is estimated to have prevented $4.2 billion in economic damages
- Insurance premium increases for cellphone violations now average 21.56%, a significant increase from 16% in 2011
- Depending on the state, these insurance penalties can range from $87 to $762 annually
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Preventing distracted driving requires a combination of personal responsibility, technology solutions, and community engagement.
Personal Strategies
- Use hands-free technology: Equip your vehicle with Bluetooth, voice-activated systems, or a secure phone mount
- Set up before you drive: Program GPS, adjust music, and send any necessary messages before starting your vehicle
- Enable Do Not Disturb mode: Most smartphones have driving modes that silence notifications automatically
- Pull over safely: If you must use your phone, find a safe place to stop first
- Be a responsible passenger: Offer to handle navigation or respond to messages for the driver
Technology Solutions
Modern vehicles increasingly include safety features designed to combat distracted driving:
- Lane departure warnings alert drivers when they’re drifting
- Automatic emergency braking can prevent collisions when drivers fail to respond
- Distracted driver monitoring systems detect when attention wanders
- Usage-based insurance (UBI) programs reward safe driving behavior
For Parents and Educators
Adults play a critical role in shaping young drivers’ habits:
- Lead by example—never drive distracted yourself
- Have explicit conversations about distracted driving dangers
- Establish clear rules and consequences for phone use while driving
- Consider using monitoring apps for new drivers
- Encourage involvement in programs like Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
The Role of NHTSA in Combating Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to lead national efforts against distracted driving through multiple initiatives:
Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign
In April 2025, NHTSA launched its annual distracted driving awareness campaign with a $5 million national media buy in English and Spanish across television, radio, and digital platforms. The high-visibility enforcement period (April 10-14, 2025) specifically targeted drivers aged 18-34, who are most likely to die in distraction-affected crashes.
Research and Data Collection
NHTSA is working with states to improve distracted driving data collection, recognizing that current statistics likely underrepresent the true scope of the problem. Self-reported data is inherently subject to bias, and in many fatal crashes, determining distraction is impossible.
State Partnerships
NHTSA provides federal funding and resources to support state-level enforcement campaigns, research initiatives, and public education efforts. The collaboration between federal resources and local enforcement remains central to reducing distracted driving.
Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch
Several developments may shape distracted driving outcomes in the coming years:
- Expanding hands-free laws: More states are considering hands-free legislation, including Texas’s Senate Bill 47 (Allie’s Way)
- Advanced vehicle safety technology: Increasingly sophisticated driver monitoring and collision prevention systems
- Insurance incentives: Growing use of telematics-based insurance programs that reward focused driving
- Improved data collection: Better methods for accurately documenting distraction-related crashes
Final Thoughts
The distracted driving statistics for 2025 present a mixed picture. While we’ve seen modest decreases in fatalities and encouraging results from hands-free legislation, distracted driving remains a leading cause of preventable deaths on American roads. With over 3,000 people dying annually—and the true number likely much higher—there’s still significant work to be done.
The good news is that distracted driving is entirely preventable. Every driver has the power to make safer choices, whether that means putting the phone away, using hands-free technology, or simply focusing on the road. As more states adopt comprehensive hands-free laws and technology continues to evolve, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
Remember: No text, call, or notification is worth risking your life or the lives of others. Stay focused, stay safe, and help make our roads safer for everyone.
Looking to improve your driving skills and reduce your risk on the road? Defensive Drivers Institute offers state-approved defensive driving courses that can help you become a safer, more aware driver—and may even qualify you for insurance discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people die from distracted driving each year?
According to official NHTSA data, 3,275 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2023. However, research suggests the true number may be significantly higher—potentially over 10,000 annually—due to underreporting.
What percentage of accidents are caused by distracted driving?
NHTSA reports that 8% of fatal crashes, 13% of injury crashes, and 13% of all police-reported crashes in 2023 were classified as distraction-affected. However, some studies suggest distraction may actually be involved in up to 29% of all crashes.
Which age group is most likely to drive distracted?
Drivers aged 15-20 have the highest proportion of distraction in fatal crashes, with 7% of this age group reported as distracted in fatal crashes. Younger drivers (16-24) also have the highest observed rate of manipulating handheld devices at 7.7%.
How many states have hands-free driving laws?
As of late 2025, 31 states plus Washington D.C. have comprehensive hands-free driving laws. Additionally, 48 states ban texting while driving for all drivers.
Do hands-free laws actually work?
Yes, research shows hands-free laws are effective. States that implemented hands-free laws in 2023 saw an average 11.8% decrease in distracted driving. Michigan reported an 18.7% reduction, while Colorado saw a 19% drop in inattentive-driving crashes within five months of their law taking effect.
What are the penalties for distracted driving?
Penalties vary by state but typically include fines ranging from $100 to $500 for first offenses, with increased penalties for repeat violations or incidents in school/work zones. Some states add points to driving records, and serious incidents can result in criminal charges. Insurance premiums may increase by over 21% following a distracted driving citation.
