AAA: Eyes up, phone down! April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

37% of drivers admit to reading messages while driving

By AAA of Western and Central New York

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and AAA Western and Central New York is sharing startling statistics about distracted driving in an effort to educate drivers and save lives.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety releases an annual traffic safety culture index (TSCI), and the latest report shows that risky driving behaviors, like driving distracted, remain widespread:

•97% say scrolling social media, 94% texting/emailing, and 90% reading on a hand-held phone are extremely or very dangerous – yet 28% texted, 37% read messages, and 36% talked on a hand-held phone while driving.

•79% support a hand-held phone ban; only 40% support limits on hands-free use.

“AAA research shows that drivers realize the dangers of distracted driving, but many are still tempted to reach for their phones behind the wheel, which could end up being a deadly mistake,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “Thousands of lives are lost in distracted driving crashes each year. AAA is urging drivers to break their bad habits and pledge to remain distraction-free, not just in April, but every time they get behind the wheel.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, 8% of fatal crashes involved distraction. There were 3,208 lives lost in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024, which is 3,208 too many. However, due to data collection limitations, the numbers are likely underreported, so the death toll is likely much higher. NHTSA reported 32,717 deaths due to distracted drivers from 2015 to 2024.

AAA reminds drivers that, if they’re traveling 55 miles per hour, taking their eyes off the road for just 5 seconds is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. AAA encourages drivers to learn how to use Driving Focus features on smartphones, which prevent incoming calls and texts while a vehicle is in motion. Designed to limit phone use behind the wheel, these apps can silence the phone, redirect incoming calls to voicemail, or respond to text messages with a preprogrammed message. However, users must opt in to activate the apps.

To stay focused behind the wheel and prevent dangerous distractions, AAA recommends drivers:

√ Use the Driving Focus features on your smartphone.

√ Pull over if you must call or text someone.

√ Speak up if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.

√ Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation.

√ Know where you’re going. If using GPS, program the destination before driving.

√ Ask passengers for help with navigation, calling or texting.

√ Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.

√ Drivers can get more safety tips at www.AAA.com/Distracted or www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.