Your phone dings. It might be a social media message. Or an email or text. But if you’re behind the wheel, that ding could turn lethal.
Distracted driving is a potentially hazardous behavior that redirects attention away from the basics of driving and includes a range of activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, fine-tuning the radio or any other act that takes your attention away from the road.
Clear of texting and driving, there are other distractions that drivers encounter when behind the wheel. A distraction can be visual or cognitive, i.e. a driver could be distracted when their eyes leave the road, hands leave the wheel, or mind strays from the task of driving. On occasion, it’s quite clear, like texting. Other times, it’s quieter, such as thinking about a work call as traffic abruptly slows ahead.
The folks at Becker Body Shop want you to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving.
What Are the Latest Distracted Driving Statistics for 2025?
The latest existing data comes from NHTSA’s 2023 crash statistics, made available in early 2025. These figures render a sobering picture of distracted driving’s persistent effect on road safety.
Key Distracted Driving Statistics (2023 Data)
According to NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Marketing division and National Center for Statistics and Analysis:
- 3,275 people were killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2023, corresponding to roughly 8% of all traffic fatalities.
- 324,819 people were injured in crashes consisting of distracted drivers.
- 8% of fatal crashes were reported as distraction affected.
- 13% of injury crashes entailed distracted driving.
- 13% of all police-reported crashes were categorized as distraction-affected.
- 611 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants were killed in distraction-affected crashes.
- 397 people died specifically in crashes involving cellphone-related distractions.
With that overview, your friends at Becker Body Shop want to provide a rundown on distracted driving and what and be done to help prevent it.
What you can do to prevent distracted driving plan ahead
Make distracted driving prevention piece of your pre-trip habit. Plan your route in advance on a GPS device. Arrange meals for before or after the trip if doable. Plan all the music for your drive before you even start the engine. And empty the vehicle of any unnecessary or loose objects.
Tweak vehicle mirrors and technology before moving
Before you pull out of your parking space or driveway, take a few seconds to check and adjust your mirrors. Mirrors that are correctly positioned offer the best possible visibility, cutting the need for last-second changes while driving.
Vehicle technology can assist only when it’s employed carefully. Pair Bluetooth, select playlists, adjust climate controls, set driver-assistance choices and connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto before departing. However, once the vehicle is moving, deal with screens, alerts and touch controls as likely distractions.
Phone management
Cell phone use (especially texting and talking) is extensively mentioned as the number one distraction while driving. It’s especially treacherous since it combines visual and cognitive distractions at the same time.
Prior to starting on your journey, make it a routine to put your phone on silent or change it to airplane mode. This small act helps reduce the temptation of answering incoming calls, messages or notifications, meaning you can focus exclusively on driving.
Phone management needs to be precise and practical, say the people at Becker Body Shop. Silence smartphone alerts, place the phone in a bag, console, glove compartment or back seat, and let any family or friends know you will reply when you arrive.
Use a recorded message to inform callers that you are driving and will return their call as soon as you’re off the road.
If a text or call simply can’t wait, pull over to a safe spot and park before reading, typing or responding.
Know the law
Unawareness of the law isn’t a defense. Be aware of any state and local laws before you drive. There are several states that are stringent in applying rules against handheld phones.
Yes, Pennsylvania has a strict law against using handheld devices while driving. Known as Paul Miller’s Law, it makes holding or using an interactive mobile device a primary offense, carrying a $50 fine plus court costs for violations.
Holding, touching, or using a cellphone, smartphone, tablet, or computer to text, call, browse the web, or use social media while driving. This applies even when stopped temporarily at a red light or in traffic.
“The Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, who was the State Police Commissioner at the time. “Distracted driving is not a minor offense. Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.”
Speak up
If you spot someone texting or otherwise driving while distracted, say something and let them be aware that you’re not comfortable with their conduct. Urge your kids to do likewise when they are passengers in a friend’s vehicle.
Uncomfortable with any of these actions? Remember, it could save a life!
Food and drinks: Finish before you drive
True, it’s probably convenient to grab a quick bite or sip a beverage while you’re driving, but this multitasking can distract your attention from the road. To get rid of this distraction, finish meals or snacks ahead of getting behind the wheel and driving, making sure your center of attention remains on safe driving habits.
This is particularly crucial throughout morning commutes, school drop-offs, extended highway drives and heavy traffic, when you may already be coping with time burdens and shifting road conditions.
Settle children, pets and riders first
Passenger distractions also need to be handled before the trip begins. First, if traveling with children, take time to make sure they’re firmly fastened in their car seats or with seat belts.
Also, keep pets properly secured and ask adult passengers to assist with texts, music, directions or calls rather than assuming the driver will handle them.
Why does all this matter?
Distracted driving impacts not just the driver but passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. Serious crashes have a ripple effect, affecting families and communities.
By knowing the types, risks, and prevention tactics, drivers can drastically trim down the prospect of crashes and save lives. That’s why the employees at Becker Body Shop want you to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving.
For all your vehicle body repairs, you can count on the professionals at Becker Body Shop, located at 6811 Park Road in Hummels Wharf, PA.
