Driving While Stressed: Why mindfulness can limit distracted driving

Jon Wey

By Jon Wey, Director of Consumer & Technology Insights

Combating the issue of distracted driving is part of my daily routine: both in the office and on the road. As a father of two teenagers who will soon be driving on their own, I’ve been working hard to role model the right behaviors for them. At State Farm®, I lead a team of researchers and regularly collaborate with industry partners to decrease the number of lives affected by distracted driving each year through injuries and fatalities.

There are many reasons why driving has become more challenging in recent years. You’ve heard of driving while intoxicated, but new research shows driving while stressed is also risky and dangerous.
 

New Research

In Fall 2025, a State Farm survey found more than 65% of drivers ages 22-40 believe it’s safe to look away from the road for two or more seconds, despite research showing a two-second glance can double crash risk.

The research also showed: When drivers have items on their "to-do" list, 27% said they become more distracted. Another 17% reported that being upset or stressed led to participating in more dangerous activities while driving.

The fact: Increased stress can cause a driver to lean into distraction, breaking their focus behind the wheel and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Drivers reported using their “eyes off road” time to use the GPS, search for music, text and manually dial a number to call someone – all while driving along on the road.
 

Setting an Intention

Instead of just seeing safe driving as a rule we have to follow, what if we looked at it as a chance to unplug from distractions and reconnect with ourselves? Driving with full attention isn’t just about following the law, it’s about making roads safer for the pedestrian walking by, the kids heading home from school – everyone.

When we think of mindful driving as a way to reduce stress and boost our well-being, it might just inspire more of us to limit distraction while on the road and save a life, including our own.

Each morning when I get in my truck now – once I know my wife is ready to go teach her students and my kids are ready to go be students – I slam my truck door and just sit there, soaking in the silence for a good couple of moments. I love taking that moment of tranquility and I try to carry that mindful approach forward into my daily drive to work. Playlist set. Phone in silent mode. No distractions.

Planning ahead, before beginning your drive, can be the difference between routing your day and rerouting your future.

 

Distracted Driver Infographic

PDF version available for viewing and/or download: Distracted Driving: What Most Drivers Don’t Realize.