The Social Epidemic of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become a serious social epidemic, and this fact creates anxiety regarding the potential outcomes. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NHTSA) revealed 3,522 fatalities and 362,415 injuries involving distracted drivers in 2021 (NHTSA, 2023b). Activities such as using mobile phones, texting while driving, or interacting with car electronic systems can severely impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react swiftly to potential dangers. Deputy Administrator of the NHTSA, Sophie Shulman said “Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, distraction comes in many forms, but it is also preventable” (NHTSA Media, 2024). To effectively combat distracted driving, a comprehensive approach that includes technology, education and enforcement-based solutions are needed (Peters & Stavrinos, 2017). Preventative measures, such as, “Do Not Disturb” and driver assistance technologies can minimize the impact and or threat of distractions on the road. The combined effort of these components can enhance driver awareness and promote compliance (Regan and Oviedo-Trespalacios, 2022, p 25). Statistics and data have proven that these solutions have been effective, by warning the driver of potential threats and limiting phone operations while a vehicle is in motion. Data from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), which noted 3,308 fatal collisions globally in 2022 that in part was caused by some form of distracted driving (NHTSA, 2023a). Although laws have been adopted by many areas in hopes of combating this problem, they remain difficult to enforce. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has argued for consistent rules covering such distractions and the ban of cellphones for all drivers. Still, no state has made using cell phones illegal for all drivers. As of today, thirty-six states forbid beginner drivers from using cell phones—including hands free and drivers of public and commercial transportation are subject to further limitations (GHSA, 2024). Distracted driving is a time worn problem; we have just added to the distractions with the use of technology. To fix it, we need better laws that come with stiffer penalties, including higher fines for drivers whose attention is obviously not on the road. The distractions are only going to increase as time goes on, so finding solutions is imperative. Equally significant is the enforcement of these laws and associated penalties. A 2024 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that using a cell phone while driving increases crash risk by two to six times compared to driving without distractions (IIHS, 2024). These findings underscore the urgent need for legislative action. Strengthening existing laws and imposing harsher penalties—such as higher fines—on drivers who fail to focus on the road can serve as a deterrent. Additionally, as technological distractions continue to evolve, strict enforcement of these regulations becomes essential to ensuring safer roads for all. By fostering awareness at a young age and emphasizing the importance of undistracted driving, individuals can be instilled with a sense of responsibility and commitment to safer driving behaviors. Encouraging such habits helps create a culture where road safety is a shared priority (CDC, 2024). Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University conducted a study on cognitive processes, demonstrating that an individual’s attention can be disrupted by various factors. Marcel Just, director of the Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging, emphasized the importance of mental focus while driving, stating, “Drivers need to keep not only their hands on the wheel; they also have to keep their brains on the road" (Carnegie Mellon University, 2008). Distracted driving significantly compromises a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely—such as texting, eating, and adjusting controls—divert attention and increase accident risk. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) defines distracted driving as "any activity that detracts from a driver's focus on safe vehicle operation." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2012) emphasizes that texting is particularly hazardous, as it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, greatly increasing crash risk. These findings reinforce the dangers of distracted driving, especially texting, which affects sight, hands, and mental focus. Raising awareness and enforcing strict laws are essential to mitigating this widespread issue and promoting safer driving habits. Distracted driving laws have evolved to address the growing risks associated with mobile device use, with Oklahoma making significant strides in improving road safety. In 2015, Oklahoma enacted a law banning behaviors that divert a driver's attention, imposing a $100 fine on offenders (OHSO, 2023). Recognizing its limitations, Representative Ross Ford (2023) introduced HB 2228, prohibiting drivers from holding cell phones while operating a vehicle (OHOR, 2023). More recently, HB 2263 further restricted cell phone use in hazardous driving zones, with Representative Nicole Miller (2025) describing it “as a straightforward, common-sense step to keep drivers focus where it belongs: on the road. It’s a small change that makes a significant difference” (OHOR, 2025). These legislative measures demonstrate an increasing awareness of distracted driving dangers, particularly those related to mobile devices. While initial laws focused on texting, newer regulations expand restrictions to ensure drivers remain attentive. Continued policy development and effective enforcement are essential to promoting safer driving and reducing road accidents. Educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about distracted driving play a crucial role in reducing dangerous behaviors and improving road safety. Despite criticism regarding their necessity or cost, research has shown their effectiveness. EndDD.org, founded by the parents of a young girl who tragically lost her life due to a distracted driver, is a leading awareness campaign dedicated to preventing distracted driving. Joel Feldman, the organization’s founder, emphasizes the importance of driver attentiveness and warns against the misconception that advanced vehicle technology eliminates the need for vigilance. He states, “It is easy to think that if the car can drive itself, we can let our guard down—but that is a dangerous misconception. Staying attentive is still the driver’s responsibility, no matter how advanced the car’s technology is” (Forrister, 2024). Feldman has also delivered numerous presentations in Oklahoma to advocate for road safety. These educational initiatives demonstrate the importance of awareness campaigns in addressing distracted driving. By providing valuable resources and spreading awareness, organizations like EndDD.org help counter false assumptions about technology and encourage drivers to remain vigilant. As distracted driving remains an evolving issue, such programs serve as an essential tool for fostering responsible behavior and reducing accidents on the road. Furthermore, automakers are actively partnering with technology companies to design and enhance advanced systems targeted at the risks of distracted driving. These innovations either disable certain functions while a vehicle is in motion or issue alerts when drivers exhibit signs of inattention or disengagement from their environment (NHTSA, 2025). Distractions while driving compromise focus, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly when sudden traffic changes occur. A long-term study by State Farm Insurance highlights a troubling rise in social media use among drivers, with teenagers and young adults being the most affected. Furthermore, the research indicates that teens who use cell phones while driving are more prone to other risky behaviors (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2021). To diminish distracted driving, technological advancements offer solutions beyond individual self-discipline, providing an additional layer of safety. Some vehicles are now equipped with integrated “smart” systems designed to detect signs of driver inattention (NHTSA, 2025). Additionally, "drive modes," which automatically silence notifications, have proven successful in reducing distractions. While these features are currently optional in some automobiles, their effectiveness in promoting safer driving is well-documented. Transitioning these safety features from optional enhancements to mandatory safety features would ensure broader implementation, helping drivers stay focused on the road. By prioritizing technological advancements, the risk of accidents caused by distractions can be significantly reduced. NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind (2015) said it best, ” Young people need to understand the dangers of texting and driving before it kills them or someone they love” (USDOT, 2015). Through hands-on demonstrations and real-life driving scenarios, these initiatives highlight how distractions impact reaction times and decision-making. This shows that enhancing the enforcement policy is one of the best strategies to enhance the security systems. enforce distracted driving. The laws are different according to the state, but more and more states are trying to implement new policies that are more stringent to eliminate distracted driving (Ashford et al. 2021). Public education campaigns are crucial in creating awareness about the risks of distracted driving. Highlighting the importance of maintaining focus while on the road can inspire responsible driving habits. The impact of some educational campaigns targeting drivers, and the public can significantly change the attitudes and behaviors of certain groups in the field of road safety (Jeihani et al.). The evolution of mobile devices has made texting more convenient, solidifying it as a primary mode of communication. However, this shift has also contributed to the widespread issue of texting while driving, elevating it to a major global health concern and a significant public safety challenge in the United States (WHO, 2011). A driver's behavior significantly influences the overall driving experience and often leads to distractions, including phone usage, conversations with passengers, or adjusting music settings (Northcutt et al., 2017). Engaging in these distractions not only compromise the driver's safety but also pose serious risks to passengers and other road users. As Laurel Straub, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Research at State Farm, aptly stated, “Unfortunately, this risk often leads to crashes, injuries, and fatalities. These tragedies are preventable” (State Farm, 2022). Efforts to prevent and address distracted driving emphasize education as a key solution. Requiring classroom and online driving courses that highlight the dangers of distractions while driving could enhance road safety (Get Drivers Ed - TLDR, 2025). Additionally, schools, in partnership with local governments and community organizations, can initiate awareness aimed to inform drivers about the risks associated with texting, calling, and other distractions while driving. Since 2009, nationwide initiatives have sought to reduce distracted driving incidents. In 2015, then-U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx reinforced this message with “across the country, we are putting distracted drivers on notice: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Texting and driving will at least cost you the price of a ticket, but it could very well cost you your life or someone else’s.” (USDOT, 2015). These combined efforts reflect a commitment to making roads safer through education and policy enforcement. While legislation and technology contribute significantly to road safety, they have their limitations. Staying focused and alert while driving is not only a personal responsibility but also a collective effort to protect lives on the road (Johnson, 2012). Tackling distracted driving must be treated as a top priority, with public education emerging as one of the most powerful tools for change. Awareness campaigns and appropriate education should explore the root causes of distracted driving, emphasizing that behaviors like texting or making calls while driving are more than mere distractions—they pose serious dangers (Lipe, 2019). To effectively reduce the troubling rise in accidents linked to distracted driving, it is crucial to address this issue as a social epidemic that requires urgent strategies and immediate action to minimize the fallout. The late Marvin Schneiderman (Ashford et al. 2021) once said, “When we speak about risks we can live with, it must be remembered that those are the risks that others will die from (p. 130).” These perspectives make it clear that distracted driving is a societal issue requiring immediate attention. Without public education and awareness, many drivers may underestimate the risks associated with divided attention behind the wheel. Recognizing distracted driving as a social epidemic is critical in shaping laws, promoting technological advancements, and encouraging safer behaviors that ultimately reduce accidents and save lives.