Phone Distractions Cause Almost 12% of all Fatal Distracted Driving Crashes: Here’s How to Stay Distraction Free
Simple, effective ways to minimize phone distractions and keep yourself and others safe while driving
Key Findings:
- Phone distractions accounted for almost 12% of all distracted driving crashes in 2022, according to a study by road safety advocates
- Experts say strategies like using driving mode apps and avoiding picking up your phone at traffic lights can significantly reduce risk
- They list technology drivers can use to stay focused while driving
Distracted driving, particularly smartphone use, continues to be a major contributor to road accidents. Road safety advocates at Injured in Florida conducted analysis on data from the US Department of Transportation Recalls Hub to determine the biggest causes of distractions in fatal crashes.
The study found that almost 12% of distracted driving crashes were attributed to phone distractions in 2022, including talking or listening to a mobile phone (3.4%), listening to a mobile phone (4.64%), and other phone-related activities (3.97%).
Their findings highlight the importance of safe driving practices in an increasingly connected world. With the right strategies and awareness, drivers can minimize distractions and keep their focus where it belongs—on the road. Injured in Florida shares six tips to improve driver focus.
Here Are 6 Ways to Reduce Phone Distractions While Driving
- Your Commute Isn’t Catch-Up Time
It can be tempting to use your drive to check in with friends or family, but these conversations can easily take your focus off the road. Save personal calls for when you’re parked or at home.
- Skip Sending That “I’m Running Late” Text
It’s natural to want to let someone know you’re on your way, but sending even a quick text can take your attention off the road. Instead, set an automatic message before you drive, or wait until you arrive safely.
- Avoid Using Your Phone for Quick Tasks at Stoplights
Many people think it’s fine to respond to a quick text or email while stopped, but this habit often spills over into driving. Treat red lights as a part of your journey, not as breaks to check your phone.
- Resist the Urge to Scroll While in Traffic
When traffic slows to a crawl, boredom can kick in, making it tempting to scroll social media or catch up on the news. Stay engaged with your surroundings—traffic patterns can change in a split second, and distracted drivers are slower to react.
- Skip the Social Media “Catch-Up”
Scrolling through social feeds while driving, even at a glance, puts you at risk. Leave social media for designated downtime when you can enjoy it without putting yourself and others in danger.
- Leave Behind Emotional Conversations
If you’re dealing with a stressful or emotional situation, don’t try to resolve it over the phone while driving. Emotionally charged conversations are distracting, and it’s best to tackle these when you’re not behind the wheel.
Tech to Help You Stay Focused While Driving
- Driving Mode Apps
If you must use your phone in the car, set it to “driving mode” beforehand. This feature silences notifications and sends auto-replies, helping you stay focused without distractions.
- Voice-Activated Assistants
If you absolutely need to make a call or get directions, use voice commands with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa. This lets you control your phone completely hands-free, minimizing distractions.
- Car Systems with Built-In Controls
If you have to interact with your phone, connect it to your car’s infotainment system via Bluetooth. You can manage calls, texts, and music directly from the dashboard without needing to touch your phone.
Staying Focused Saves Lives
The data is clear: phone distractions pose a significant risk on our roads. By implementing these simple strategies and leveraging technology designed to minimize distractions, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of accidents.
A spokesperson for Injured in Florida commented:
“We urge all drivers to take this issue seriously. Implement the strategies we’ve outlined, use available technologies to your advantage, and most importantly, commit to being a focused, responsible driver.
“Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re not just responsible for your own safety, but for the safety of everyone around you. It’s important to remember that no text, call, or social media update is worth risking a life.
“While technology can help, the most important factor is a driver’s commitment to staying focused. The best safety feature in any vehicle is an alert, attentive driver.”
Story credit (https://www.injuredinflorida.com/)
About Injured In Florida
Injured in Florida is a personal injury law firm based in Florida, dedicated to helping individuals recover compensation for injuries from accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, as well as slip and falls, dog bites, work accidents, and wrongful deaths. Founded in 2004, SKG emphasizes personalized attention, aggressive legal representation, and no fees unless the case is won. With multiple offices across Florida, SKG aims to relieve clients’ financial stress and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Methodology
Data for this release was sourced from the US Department of Transportation Recalls Hub, specifically focusing on distracted driving statistics. The analysis was conducted by road safety experts at Injured in Florida to highlight trends in distracted driving and their potential impact on road safety.
****************************************************************
2024-25 OnFocus Central Wisconsin Area Conferences: Conference and Team Links, Schedules
Know some top athletic performances? Seeing some great teams in action?
We can use your help, and it’s simple. Witness some great performances? Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area?
Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:
Nominate an athlete or team: HERE
**********************************************
Pancakes or Waffles! We feature top area athletes with our world-renowned feature. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
College Athlete Roundup! We want to recognize student-athletes from the area who are competing at the college level. Send us information on college athletes from the area with our simple form HERE
Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach, or difference maker who we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
Baked or Fried! We also feature difference makers throughout central Wisconsin: coaches, booster club leaders, administration, volunteers, you name it. Send us your nominations for who you’d like us to interview HERE
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
