Keep Your Eyes On The Road
Distracted driving is one of the most preventable causes of death and injury on American roads, yet it continues to claim thousands of lives every year. In 2024, 3,208 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. In 2023, an estimated 324,819 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers, up from 289,310 injuries in 2022. And safety experts consistently note that these numbers are likely underreported, since many drivers who were distracted at the time of a crash are reluctant to admit it.
The problem goes well beyond texting. Distracted driving includes any activity that takes your attention away from the road, including eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, using navigation apps, and scrolling through social media. NHTSA’s own analysis estimated that 29% of all traffic deaths and injuries are due to driver distraction — a figure far higher than official crash report data suggests.
Drivers Underestimate Their Own Distraction
One of the most troubling aspects of the distracted driving problem is how poorly drivers assess their own behavior behind the wheel. Studies consistently show a wide gap between how dangerous drivers believe distracted driving is and how often they do it themselves. The vast majority of drivers agree that using a phone while driving is a serious risk, yet a significant portion of those same drivers admit to doing it regularly — and many believe they can do so safely. This false confidence is one of the biggest barriers to changing behavior on the roads.
Drivers ages 15 to 20 had the highest distraction rate at 7%, making them the age group most likely to be distracted in fatal crashes. If you have a teen driver at home, talking openly about distracted driving is just as important as talking about alcohol or speeding.
Tips To Reduce Distracted Driving
The good news is that distracted driving is entirely preventable. Here are some simple steps that can make a real difference:
- Store your phone out of reach and out of sight before you start driving. Turn the ringer off or enable Do Not Disturb mode so you are not tempted to check it.
- Ask a passenger to handle your phone, respond to texts, or manage navigation so you can keep your eyes on the road.
- If you are expecting an important call or message that cannot wait, pull over and park in a safe location before reaching for your phone.
- Pre-program your GPS before you leave and use a dashboard mount for hands-free navigation. Set your route before you pull out of your driveway, not while you are moving.
- Do not be a distraction for others. Avoid calling or texting friends and family when you know they are driving.
- Model safe driving habits for your teens and fellow passengers. If you are riding with a distracted driver, speak up and ask them to put their phone away.
- Use the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature on your iPhone or Android, or download an app that automatically silences notifications and holds your calls while you are on the road.
- Remember that hands-free is not risk-free. Even voice-activated calls and navigation require cognitive attention that takes your focus off the road.
What If You Are Injured By A Distracted Driver?
Even when you do everything right, you cannot control the behavior of the drivers around you. If you are injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, the law is on your side. Distracted driving is negligent driving, and negligent drivers can be held financially responsible for the injuries and losses they cause.
Evidence of distraction can be powerful in a personal injury claim. Phone records, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports can all help establish that a driver was not paying attention at the time of the crash. An experienced attorney knows how to gather and preserve this evidence before it disappears. Understanding what damages you may be entitled to recover and acting within the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Colorado are important first steps.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our team is here to help. At Rector Stuzynski Law Firm, our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys have the experience and resources to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (719) 578-1106 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to get to work for you.
