Distracted driving remains one of the most preventable yet persistent workplace hazards facing employees who drive as part of their job. Despite years of awareness campaigns and stricter laws, the statistics remain alarming—and employers must take action. (Updated January 2026)
The Current State of Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023, representing 8% of all traffic fatalities. Recent data from the Defensive Drivers Institute shows that approximately 400,000 accidents in 2024 were caused by driver distraction with mobile phonese primary contributor.
The good news? Progress is being made. Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the world's largest telematics provider, reports that distracted driving dropped 8.6% in 2024—marking the second consecutive year of improvement. This reduction prevented an estimated 105,000 crashes, 59,000 injuries, 480 fatalities, and $4.2 billion in economic damages.
The Three Types of Distractions
OSHA categorizes distractions into three primary types:
- Visual Distractions - Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at a cell phone or GPS
- Manual Distractions - Taking your hands off the wheel, like texting or adjusting controls
- Cognitive Distractions - Taking your mind off driving, including phone conversations
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions. Reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
The Myth of Multitasking
Many drivers believe they can successfully multitask while driving. This is a dangerous myth. The human brain has a limited capacity for attention, and dividing focus between driving and another task reduces the attention available for detecting and reacting to road hazards. Even hands-free devices don't eliminate cognitive distraction—your mind is still divided between the conversation and the road.
The Financial Impact
Beyond the tragic loss of life, distracted driving has significant financial consequences:
- Insurance premiums increase by an average of 21.56% for cell phone violations
- Depending on the state, these penalties can range from $87 to $762 annually
- Vermont applies the harshest penalty with a 56% premium increase (over $600 per year)
- The total annual cost of distracted driving includes billions in medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages
Progress Through Legislation
As of 2025, all 50 states have enacted laws to curb distracted driving, though they vary in strictness. States that implemented hands-free laws in 2023 have seen an average 11.8% decrease in distracted driving, preventing an estimated 31,000 crashes and 140 fatalities.
Michigan leads with an 18.7% reduction since its hands-free law took effect, while Ohio reported nearly 15,400 fewer crashes and 138 fewer fatalities in the first year after implementation.
What Employers Can Do
OSHA continues to emphasize that employers must take responsibility for addressing this workplace hazard:
- Develop Strong Cell Phone Policies - Prohibit the use of portable electronic devices while driving for work
- Provide Training - Educate employees about the three types of distractions and the myth of multitasking
- Lead by Example - Management must model safe driving behavior
- Use Technology - Implement systems that block phone use while vehicles are in motion
- Enforce Policies - Consistently apply consequences for violations
Resources Available
OSHA provides several resources for employers:
- Distracted Driving Business Brochure
- Safe Driving Practices Quick Cards (English and Spanish)
- Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes (joint publication with NHTSA)
- Motor Vehicle Safety Facts
Visit OSHA's Motor Vehicle Safety page for comprehensive guidance and materials.
The Bottom Line
Distracted driving is 100% preventable. Safe driving requires 100% of a driver's attention 100% of the time. Employers who fail to address distracted driving not only put their employees at risk but may face liability under OSHA's general duty clause.
The message is clear: Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, mind on driving. Lives depend on it.
About OSHA's Distracted Driving Initiative
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) partners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other organizations to reduce work-related driving deaths and injuries. Through enforcement, education, and employer engagement, OSHA works to ensure that every employee who drives for work returns home safely.
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Updated: January 2026
Blog: Workers' Compensation
LinkedIn: JonGelman
LinkedIn Group: Injured Workers Law & Advocacy Group
Author: "Workers' Compensation Law" West-Thomson-Reuters
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© 2026 Jon L Gelman. All rights reserved.
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