In 2023, distracted driving contributed to 3,275 deaths and more than 324,800 injuries in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes, particularly among teens and young adults. With distractions on the rise—both inside and outside the vehicle—staying alert behind the wheel is more critical than ever.
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What is the Definition of Distracted Driving?
Many people associate distracted driving only with cell phones and technology. In reality, it includes anything that takes your attention away from the road. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distractions fall into three main categories:
- Visual: Looking anywhere other than the road ahead.
- Manual: Removing your hands from the steering wheel for any reason.
- Cognitive: Letting your mind wander and losing focus on driving.
Common examples include:
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Texting, talking, recording, or taking photos with your phone
- Adjusting mirrors, seats, or dashboard controls
- Grooming or applying makeup
- Managing children or pets in the vehicle
- Changing music or adjusting audio settings
- Looking at billboards, scenery, or roadside events
- Singing or becoming absorbed in music
- Daydreaming and "zoning out"
While some distractions—such as tending to children—can be difficult to avoid entirely, many are within your control.
Remember that in many states, using a handheld phone while driving is illegal.
Distracted Driving Facts
The dangers of distracted driving are backed by alarming trends. In 2023, distraction was a factor in 8% of all fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Younger drivers remain the most at risk—those aged 15 to 20 account for the highest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.
Research from LexisNexis Risk Solutions shows the problem is getting worse. Distracted driving violations rose 10% between 2022 and 2023, with the sharpest increase—24%—among Gen Z drivers.
And it’s not just driver behavior—today’s vehicles are built to be faster and more powerful. In 2000, a Toyota Camry could go from 0 to 60 mph in about eight seconds. Today, the 2025 Camry can do it in under seven seconds, thanks to a stronger hybrid engine.
This combination—more in-car distractions paired with higher-performance vehicles—makes staying focused behind the wheel essential for safety.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Distracted driving prevention is a conscious effort to limit anything that takes your focus off the road. While some distractions are unavoidable, many can be reduced or eliminated with a few simple steps.
Before You Hit the Road:
- Adjust your seat, mirrors, and climate controls.
- Buckle up.
- Set your music playlist, radio, audiobook, or podcast before moving the vehicle.
- Program your GPS before departure.
- Silence or store your phone, using Do Not Disturb While Driving or similar safety features.
- Eat only when parked.
- Finish grooming—such as applying makeup—before you put the car in drive.
- Secure loose items so they won’t roll or shift during your trip.
- Ensure children, passengers, and pets are buckled, secured, and comfortable before leaving.
Taking a few moments to prepare before driving can help you stay focused and avoid the split-second distractions that often cause crashes.
While Driving:
- Keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.
- Avoid multitasking—focus solely on driving.
- Ask passengers to help manage navigation, music, or other tasks when possible.
- Follow posted speed limits and use defensive driving techniques.
- If something needs immediate attention—such as a phone call, text, or a child—safely pull over before addressing it.
Staying present behind the wheel reduces your chances of a crash and helps protect everyone on the road.
Stay Safe on the Road
Safe driving protects more than just your vehicle—it safeguards your life, your passengers, and everyone you share the road with. By making distraction-free driving a priority, you set a positive example for others and help reduce risks for the entire community.
At Vault, we believe prevention is the foundation of protection. Our risk education and mitigation services are designed to help you identify potential hazards, reduce exposure, and safeguard what matters most. We look beyond simply insuring your assets—our goal is to help you proactively safeguard the life you’ve built—that’s the Vault difference.
Request a quote and experience the Vault difference.
Related Products: Auto Insurance
Featured Resource:
Reduce Your Risks On The Road
Get practical strategies to help you stay focused and safe while driving. From reducing in-car distractions to building better driving habits, this free guide offers actionable ways to protect yourself and others.
While Vault believes the information provided in this article to be accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information provided. Vault is not responsible for, and does not adopt, endorse or approve any third-party webpages, or their content, that may be hyperlinked from this page. Nothing on this page alters any terms or conditions of an insurance policy and is not intended to be taken as legal, medical, or other professional advice.
