Distracted Driving Home - National Safety Council

Thousands have Died in Crashes Involving Cell Phone Use

Many distractions exist while driving, but cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one distracted, you often don't realize that driver is you.

New technology in vehicles is causing us to become more distracted behind the wheel than ever before. Fifty-three percent of drivers believe if manufacturers put "infotainment" dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, they must be safe. With some state laws focusing on handheld bans, many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a hands-free device. But in fact, these technologies distract our brains—and continue to distract us long after we've used them.

Make no mistake: This multitasking technology is about convenience, not safety.

LEARN MORE

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Join us in observing Distracted Driving Awareness Month and share the message, "When you're behind the wheel, your only job is to drive."

Take the safe-driving pledge. Get free access to posters, a social media kit, a policy template for your workplace and more. NSC members also get access to webinars, a toolkit on pedestrian safety and other member exclusives.

Start Here to Get All the Offerings

While no state has a law prohibiting all cell phone use while driving, employers are putting policies in place banning the use of handheld and hands-free devices. See how the city of Tulsa implemented a total-ban cell phone policy for employees.