From texting to rubbernecking, distracted driving is dangerous and can even be deadly. Learn about common driving distractions and how to prevent them.
Article: 5 minutes
Updated: September 22, 2026 Published: February 11, 2019
By: USAA Reviewed by: Editorial contributors
Distracted driving, which includes everything from phone use to adjusting the GPS, significantly contributes to traffic fatalities and injuries, making it crucial to maintain full focus on the road.
"Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel." This lyric from classic rock group The Doors holds up to the test of time when we look at the impacts of distracted driving.
Finding the right soundtrack to your commute used to be the chore of flipping through a binder of CDs. A lot of us are probably guilty of doing that while in motion. Our phones may have made that task a lot easier, but they present new distractions that can take our mind off the road.
Even if your eyes and hands are in the right position, and your phone is secured and not in use, you could still be headed for disaster if you're not mentally focused on what's happening around you.
Make no mistake, straying from these simple bits of advice can be deadly: In 2024, distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted driving accounted for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities in 2024. Additionally, it is estimated that 25% to 30% of fatal crashes involve distracted driving, translating to an estimated 11,500 to 13,800 deaths annually.
To keep yourself, your passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and your vehicle safe from harm, familiarize yourself with these 10 potential distractions. You'll then avoid giving into them before it's too late.
Even when you're in hands-free mode, a phone call can still affect your ability to focus on the road. Phones now have settings that can forward calls when you're on the move, keeping your attention on the road.
Whether you're reading or typing, texting impairs your ability to react to what's happening around you. To enforce self-discipline, consider using an app that disables texts when you're in a moving vehicle. If you think voice-to-text technology is your savior, think again: The National Safety Council cites studies showing this feature may be even more dangerous than typing.
Either allow enough time to finish self-care before leaving home or wait until you've reached your destination to comb your hair, apply makeup or shave.
In your car or truck, eating is a recipe for trouble, so do so before or after driving. If you're on a long road trip, pull over to enjoy your food and get the extra benefit of a break and some fresh air, too.
Modern navigation aids feel like a life-changer. But if you're trying to input a new destination while the car is moving, it could be a life-ender. Set your course before you put the vehicle in drive. If you need to adjust while you're en route, pull over to change the settings.
Loud or distracting behavior from children and even some adult passengers can sabotage an attentive driver's best efforts. Try not to referee from the driver's seat. Save that for when you're no longer navigating traffic.
If you need to retrieve something that falls on the floorboard while driving, either leave it there or pull over and park before attempting retrieval.
After a long cross-country flight, you finally arrive and begin driving your rental car. Cold rain falls, and you find yourself fumbling with the controls, trying to figure out how in the world to turn on the wipers and adjust the heat. Don't drive off just yet. Whenever you get behind the wheel of an unfamiliar vehicle, take a few minutes to orient yourself before you start on your way.
Dogs and cats don't belong behind the wheel, so don't put them on your lap. The distraction could lead to an accident injuring both you and your pet. Take appropriate steps to secure your pet in your vehicle for their safety and your own.
Tempting as it may be to scope out the scene of an accident, keeping your eyes on the road can help you avoid becoming the next object of attention for curious drivers. And if the thought of an accident isn't enough to reconsider some of these habits, consider the financial implications of getting a ticket, paying a deductible on a claim or experiencing even more if you don't have adequate insurance coverage.
Avoiding distractions can help keep your car on the road and you and your loved ones safe. Being a safe driver can also help put some money back in your pocket. Drivers can save on auto insurance premiums by enrolling in programs that monitor driving behavior. Drivers can save a significant amount on their auto insurance premiums by enrolling in programs that monitor driving behavior. On average, drivers can see savings of around 20%, which can amount to approximately $332 annually. Some programs offer an initial discount of 5-10% just for signing up, with potential savings reaching up to 30% or even 40% for demonstrably safe drivers. However, it's important to note that these savings are not guaranteed and depend on individual driving habits, with some programs potentially increasing rates for risky behavior.
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