April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which means it’s a good time to step back and look at some habits drivers fall into without much thought. A quick glance at a text, adjusting the GPS route, or turning back to join the conversation all seem harmless in the moment. But when you’re behind the wheel, even a few seconds can put you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk.
Safe driving requires full attention. This month is a reminder to put those distractions aside and focus on the road ahead.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving. In other words, if something causes you to stop watching the road, take your hands off the wheel, or lose focus, it is a distraction.
Cell phone use is the most common distraction drivers face. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says texting, talking on the phone, and social media use are some of the most common distractions drivers face today. But distractions can include a number of activities. Here are a few common types of distractions:
- Visual distractions take your eyes off the road, such as reading a text or looking at the GPS.
- Manual distractions take your hands off the wheel, such as eating or reaching for something behind you in the car.
- Cognitive distractions take your mind off driving, such as being deeply engaged in a phone call or conversation.
Many distractions often involve more than one of these at the same time. For example, texting while driving can take your eyes, hands, and mind off the road all at once. That’s part of what makes distracted driving so dangerous.
The Importance of Driving Responsibly
Distracted driving continues to be a serious safety issue across the country. According to NHTSA data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Crash Reporting Sampling System, 3,275 people were killed and an estimated 324,819 people were injured in distracted-driving-related accidents, accounting for 13% of all crashes in 2023. Additionally, some 611 pedestrian fatalities can be attributed to distracted driving.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
The good news is that distracted driving is one of the most preventable risks on the road. A few simple habits can make a huge difference, such as:
- Put your phone away before you start driving. Silence notifications, turn on Do Not Disturb, or place your phone somewhere you can’t easily reach it.
- Set your GPS and music before you leave. Program your route and choose your playlist while parked, not while moving.
- Finish food, drinks, and quick tasks first. If it can wait until you stop, it should.
- Ask passengers to help when needed. If you need to respond to directions, adjust climate controls, or find something, let a passenger handle it.
- Pull over if something can’t wait. Whether it’s a phone call, a message, or an urgent need in the car, the safest choice is to stop in a safe location first.
- Set a good example for teen drivers. Young drivers are more likely to copy the habits they see, so modeling focused driving matters.
These steps may sound basic, but safe driving is built on basic choices made consistently.
Why Distracted Driving Matters Beyond the Road
A distracted driving accident can do more than ruin your day. It can lead to injuries, vehicle damage, missed work, and a long list of stressful questions afterward. It may also leave drivers wondering how their policy works, what their coverage includes, and what steps to take after a crash.
That’s why it’s important to understand your policy before you need to use it. Auto insurance coverage can vary by state, and the right protection depends on your vehicle, your driving habits, and the type of coverage you choose. If you’re not sure what your policy covers, this is a smart time to review it.
Have Questions About Car Insurance Coverage?
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a good reminder to build safer habits behind the wheel, but it’s also a good opportunity to review your auto insurance coverage and make sure you understand your protection.
At AIS, we help drivers compare coverage options from multiple top-rated insurance companies and can answer common questions about auto insurance. If you want help reviewing your options or finding coverage that fits your needs, our insurance specialists are here to help. Give us a call at (888) 772-4247 or start a quote online today.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
