It is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. To help raise awareness of the dangers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign educates drivers about the deadly dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving. The campaign targets drivers between the ages of 18 to 34 who, according to NHTSA data, are more likely to die in distraction-affected crashes than any other age group.
“Distraction-related deaths and injuries take a major toll on our country, likely much bigger than we have realized, and we need to make a meaningful dent in this problem,” Deputy Secretary Bradbury said. “Through increased traffic enforcement, alongside NHTSA’s research, education efforts, and high-visibility enforcement mobilizations, we will continue to tackle this pervasive problem.”
NHTSA's Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving. Distraction can take many forms – texting, looking up an address, watching social media, or anything that takes a driver’s mind off the driving task, eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel.
“We ask everyone to do their part to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their fellow Americans when driving, and that includes avoiding distractions behind the wheel,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Simshauser said. “Taking your eyes and mind off the road for even a second could have devastating consequences, which is why we’re reminding everyone to Put the Phone Away or Pay.”
According to new NHTSA data on 2023 distraction-related crashes, in 2023, an estimated 324,819 people were injured and 3,275 were killed in distracted-driving-related crashes, accounting for 13% of all crashes. An additional 611 pedestrian fatalities can be attributed to distracted driving.
Keep in mind this number is actually probably higher since safety regulators say distraction-related injuries and deaths are likely underreported. A 2023 NHTSA report found that in 2019, distraction was involved in 29% of all crashes, resulting in 10,546 fatalities, 1.3 million nonfatal injuries, and $98.2 billion in economic costs. Currently, NHTSA is working with the states to better collect distracted driving data to assess the role it plays in crashes.
Photo: NHTSA.