Distracted driving kills 10,000 Americans annually. It's time to act.

Even small changes that can make a huge impact – saving thousands of lives and preventing hundreds of thousands of avoidable injuries.

New vehicles are frequently described as 'computers on wheels’. Although intended to enhance the driving experience, they can also create significant distractions for drivers.

Americans Demand Action

A new study from State Farm® found that distracted driving is the top roadway safety concern among U.S. licensed drivers ages 18 to 75.

Of the 1,901 drivers surveyed:

Cell phones are only one of many distractions drivers face. 

Another growing concern is in-vehicle infotainment systems and interactive displays. Many newer vehicles feature touchscreens that let drivers control music, navigation, vehicle settings, and information such as weather and traffic alerts. Nearly 70% of survey respondents said these technologies distract drivers.

Sources

Blincoe, L., Miller, T., Wang, J.-S., Swedler, D., Coughlin, T., Lawrence, B., Guo, F., Klauer, S., & Dingus, T. (2023). The economic and societal impact of motor vehicle crashes, 2019 (Revised). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Report No. DOT HS 813 403. 

Olson, R.L., Hanowski, R.J., Hickman, J.S., & Bocanegra, J. (2009). Driver Distraction in Commercial Vehicle Operations. Washington, DC: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, USDOT. Report No. FMCSA-RRR-09-042.

State Farm. (2026). National Survey on Distracted Driving Behaviors & Countermeasures. Bloomington, IL.

Making a Difference

State Farm is taking action to help prevent and mitigate driver distraction through a multi-year strategy focused on key countermeasures aligned with education, technology, and public policy, such as its support of Congressman Kevin Mullin’s legislation, H.R. 3360 — the Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2025, which calls for a study of in-vehicle technology to understand the risks of driver distraction and the impact on the safety of other road users; advocacy for state hands-free cell phone legislation; and the launch of the Good Neighbor Auto Safety Champion Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that sponsor or advocate for stronger traffic safety laws.
 

The Research 

A new study completed by State Farm® found that distracted driving is the #1 roadway safety concern among U.S. licensed drivers ages 18-75. More than half of the 1,901 drivers surveyed reported distracted driving as a top concern, followed by aggressive driving (45%), alcohol-impaired driving (41%), speeding (38%), and running red lights/stop signs (28%). 

Distracted driving is a significant, widespread, and preventable issue. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 29% of all motor vehicle crashes are caused by distracted drivers – resulting in more than 10,000 fatalities, 1.3 million injuries, and 5.6 million damaged vehicles each year. It is estimated that the annual economic cost of distraction-related crashes is nearly $100 billion (Blincoe 2023). 

Of those surveyed, 

• More than 85% agreed or strongly agreed that hand-held cell phone use while driving increased driver distraction and crash risk.
• 78% felt that hands-free cell phone use is safer than hand-held cell phone use while driving.
• 81% were supportive of legislation that prohibits drivers from holding their cell phones while driving.
• 70% felt that there would be significantly or somewhat less driver distraction with hands-free cell phone laws. 

However, cell phones are just one of many distractions that drivers face behind the wheel. Another growing area of concern is in-vehicle infotainment and interactive displays. Many of today’s vehicles are equipped with touchscreens where drivers can control music, GPS navigation, certain vehicle controls, and get other information such as weather and traffic alerts. More than 69% of those surveyed indicated that these types of technologies are distracting to drivers. 

Sources 

Blincoe L, Miller T, Wang J, Swedler D, Coughlin T, Lawrence B, Guo F, Klauer S, Dingus T. February 2023. The economic and societal impact of motor vehicle crashes, 2019 (Revised). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Report No. DOT HS 813 403. 

State Farm. February 2026. National Survey on Distracted Driving Behaviors & Countermeasures.