The causes of distracted driving

By Allstate

Last updated: April 2026

Key points

  • Distracted driving includes any activity – like texting, eating or adjusting controls – that takes a driver’s eyes, hands or attention away from the road.
  • Even brief distractions significantly increase crash risk by reducing reaction time and awareness of changing traffic conditions.
  • Common causes include phone use, interacting with passengers or in-car systems, and reaching for objects, with texting being especially dangerous.
  • The consequences can be severe, ranging from accidents and injuries to fatalities, high costs, and legal or insurance impacts

More than 32,000 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers between 2014 and 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Even if it’s for a few seconds, distractions can increase the risk of a crash and put drivers, passengers and pedestrians in danger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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What is distracted driving?

From texting to using in-car technology, distracted driving can include any activity that takes your attention from the road. This can include changing the radio, adjusting the temperature, texting, or even talking to people in your vehicle. Anytime you get on the road, you are at risk of getting into an accident. For the safety of yourself and others, it’s important to give your full attention to the road ahead.

Consequences of distracted driving

Distracted driving can have serious or even fatal consequences. When a driver isn’t paying attention to the road, it can reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of a crash.

These crashes don’t only affect the driver. Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers can also be seriously injured, or even killed, when a driver isn’t fully focused. In fact, according to the NHTSA, 3,725 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023.

Distracted driving can also lead to life-altering injuries, significant medical costs, high insurance premiums, and even legal consequences.

Keeping your eyes focused on the road ahead will not only help protect your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you.

What are the top causes of distracted driving

According to the NHTSA and CDC, some of the most common causes of distracted driving include:

  • Texting while driving
  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Reaching for your phone
  • Talking to another passenger
  • Turning knobs in your car, such as adjusting your temperature controls
  • Checking and adjusting your GPS/navigation system
  • Adjusting the radio station or infotainment system
  • Reaching for objects

Texting may be the most alarming, though, according to the NHTSA. Reading or sending a text tends to take about five seconds – at 55 mph, that’s like driving an entire football field with your eyes closed, the NHTSA explains. Here are specific ways these common distractions can impact the driver.

Distraction

How it affects the driver

Talking on the phone or texting while driving

Doing either of these while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions because it takes your eyes and attention away from the road all at the same time.

Talking with other passengers

Conversations with passengers can pull a driver’s attention away from the road, especially during high-traffic times or complicated driving situations.

Eating or drinking

Eating or drinking while driving often requires drivers to take at least one hand off of the wheel and shift their focus away from traffic.

Adjusting audio or car controls

Changing the radio, navigation or climate controls can cause drivers to glance away from the road and miss sudden changes in traffic.

Reaching for objects

Reaching for phones or other items inside the car can take a driver’s eyes off the rod and their hands off the wheel.

Rubbernecking

Rubbernecking happens when drivers slow down to look at roadside activity instead of focusing on traffic ahead.

Tips for avoiding distracted driving

Even small distractions can increase the risk of an accident. These simple habits can help you stay focused behind the wheel:

  • Put your phone away before driving. Turn on Do Not Disturb or place your phone out of reach.
  • Pull over if you need to text or make a call. Never type or read messages while driving.
  • Set your navigation and music before you start driving. Avoid adjusting controls while the vehicle is moving.
  • Ask a passenger to help. Let them handle calls, messages or navigation when possible.
  • Secure loose items in your car. This prevents you from reaching for dropped or shifting objects.
  • Avoid eating or drinking while driving. Keep both hands on the wheel and your attention on the road.