AAA Texas Reminds Drivers Of Deadly Consequences Of Inattention Behind The Wheel

As April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, AAA Texas is urging the public to recognize the deadly consequences of inattention behind the wheel. Our goal is to remind all drivers of the potentially fatal risks from distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or using other mobile apps can cause.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributes to 29% of roadway crashes. In 2022, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives and caused nearly 290,000 injuries—an average of nine fatalities daily. In Texas alone, the latest state records show there were 20,700 injuries and 403 deaths in 2023 due to distracted driving.

"Distracted driving is a serious problem, and it's claiming lives every day," said Doug Shupe, Corporate Communications Manager for AAA Texas. "It's never safe to text, check emails, or use your phone while on the road. These actions take your focus away from what matters most—safely getting to your destination."

If you take your eyes off the road for just five seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour, you'll drive the length of a football field blindfolded. AAA Texas is committed to reinforcing distracted driving laws and promoting safer driving habits.

"Staying focused and alert while driving is one of the easiest ways to prevent crashes," said Shupe. "A single moment of distraction can lead to a lifetime of regret. Each of us has a role in prioritizing safety through the choices we make every day. By choosing to remain attentive behind the wheel, you can help save lives."

According to the latest AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, most drivers (93%) recognize the dangers of texting, emailing and reading while driving. However, many drivers reported sending a text/email (27%) reading a text/email (37%) or holding and talking on a phone (36%) while driving in the past 30 days.

To prevent distracted driving crashes and preventable tragedies, AAA Texas launched its #ActionAgainstDistraction pledge campaign on Instagram on April 1st. This initiative aims to encourage responsible driving and reduce the dangerous effects of distractions on the road by asking the public to make a commitment to driving distraction-free

To stay focused behind the wheel and help prevent tragedies, AAA Texas recommends drivers:

• Use the Driving Focus features on your smartphone to limit distractions.
• Pull over safely if you must call or text someone.
• Speak up if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
• Put your phone out of sight to reduce temptation.
• Program your GPS before starting your trip, not while driving.
• Ask passengers for help with navigation, calls, or texts.
• Don't be a distraction—avoid calling or texting others while they're driving.

Let's work together to end distracted driving and make our roads safer for everyone.

For more information about the AAA Texas #ActionAgainstDistraction pledge campaign, read stories of lives impacted by distracted driving, and watch PSA’s and a distracted driving documentary called “Sidetracked,” visit AAA.com/DontDriveDistracted.