[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/texting-and-driving-statistics\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/texting-and-driving-statistics\/","headline":"Texting and Driving Statistics You Need To Know","name":"Texting and Driving Statistics You Need To Know","description":"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.35 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents, and distracted driving is one of the leading causes of these accidents. Texting and driving, in particular, has become a major safety concern on the roads, as it takes drivers’ eyes off the road and […]","datePublished":"2023-04-27","dateModified":"2025-07-08","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/author\/mark-romero\/#Person","name":"Mark Romero","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/author\/mark-romero\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mark-Romero-150x150.png","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mark-Romero-150x150.png","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Agile Rates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/dev.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/unnamed.png","url":"https:\/\/dev.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/unnamed.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/texting-and-driving-statistics.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/texting-and-driving-statistics.jpg","height":1256,"width":2400},"url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/texting-and-driving-statistics\/","about":["Auto","Insurance Advice"],"wordCount":1747,"articleBody":"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.35 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents, and distracted driving is one of the leading causes of these accidents. Texting and driving, in particular, has become a major safety concern on the roads, as it takes drivers’ eyes off the road and diverts their attention from driving. Learn more about recent texting and driving statistics and how they impact car insurance rates.Texting and driving statisticsDid you know texting and driving claimed the lives of 3,522 lives in the U.S. in 2021? While that might not seem extremely high compared to the country\u2019s population, all these deaths could have been prevented. Texting and driving deaths and injuriesDistracted driving, especially cell phone use, is a leading cause of fatal car crashes on the road. In fact, 14% of fatal crashes are caused by the use of cell phones. Furthermore, 14% of distracted driving deaths in driving accidents are attributed specifically to cell phone use, significantly contributing to distracted driving fatalities. These alarming statistics highlight the importance of staying focused and attentive while driving and avoiding the use of cell phones or any other distractions that may cause fatal accidents.The chart below depicts data gathered from the National Transportation and Safety Administration showing the amount of texting and driving injuries and deaths compared to the total amount of car-accident-related injuries and fatalities.How does texting while driving affect your reaction time?Your reaction times are slowed when you\u2019re distracted while you drive. This increases the risk of an accident. Here are some examples of how different scenarios, including cell phone use, affect your reaction times.Drinking and driving at the legal state limit slows your reaction time by 13%Driving while high on cannabis slows your reaction time by 21%Using your cell phone hands-free slows your reaction time by 27%Texting while driving slows your reaction time by 37%Talking on your phone (with it in your hand) slows your reaction time by 46%Texting and driving laws by stateMany states have implemented laws to prohibit texting while driving to combat texting and driving. In fact, as of April 2023, 48 states currently have a texting ban in place, with only Arizona, Missouri, and Montana lacking such laws. Additionally, only 17 states have a ban on phone usage while driving and hands-free devices for all drivers. These laws are important because, at any given time, 7% of drivers are using a cell phone. This includes texting, checking emails or social media, and making phone calls.It\u2019s important to know and understand the laws in your area because, in some states, you can be pulled over and cited for having your phone in your hand while driving. For example, as of April 2023, Ohio law allows distracted driving tickets to be issued to anyone who uses or holds a cell phone or electronic device while driving. According to the law, your phone can\u2019t even be in your lap or anywhere on your body while operating a vehicle. You can, however, use hands-free options.StateBan On Handheld DevicesAll Cellphone BanTexting BanAlabamaNoSchool bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18All driversAlaskaNoNoAll driversArizonaYesSchool bus drivers, drivers with learner’s permits, drivers with provisional licenses for 6 months or lessAll driversArkansasDrivers ages 18 through 20, drivers in school zones, and drivers in highway work zonesSchool bus drivers and drivers under age 18All driversCaliforniaYesSchool\/transit bus drivers and drivers under the age 18All driversColoradoNoDrivers under 18All driversConnecticutYesSchool bus drivers, drivers with learner’s permits, and drivers under the age of 18All driversDelawareYesDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses and school bus driversAll driversFloridaNoNoAll driversGeorgiaYesSchool bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18All driversHawaiiYesDrivers under 18All driversIdahoNoNoAll driversIllinoisYesSchool bus drivers, drivers with learner’s permits, and all drivers under 21All driversIndianaNoDrivers under 21All driversIowaNoDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversKansasNoDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversKentuckyNoSchool bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18All driversLousianaNoDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses, school bus drivers, and drivers under 18All driversMaineYesDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversMarylandYesDrivers with learner’s permits or drivers under 18 with intermediate licenses and school bus driversAll driversMassachusettsDepends on the city\/county local lawSchool\/passenger bus drivers and drivers under 18All driversMichiganDepends on the city\/county local lawLevel 1 or 2 license holdersAll driversMinnesotaYesDrivers with learner’s permits or who have had provisional driver’s licenses for less than 12 months and school bus driversAll driversMississippiNoSchool bus driversAll driversMissouriNoNoDrivers age 21 or youngerMontanaNoNoNoNebraskaNoDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses who are under 18All driversNevadaYesNoAll driversNew HampshireYesDrivers under 18All driversNew JerseyYesDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses and school bus driversAll driversNew MexicoDepends on the city\/county local lawDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversNew YorkYesNoAll driversNorth CarolinaNoSchool bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18All driversNorth DakotaVirginiaDrivers under 18All driversOhioDepends on the city\/county local lawDrivers under 18All driversOklahomaDrivers with learner’s permits, intermediate license holders, school and public bus driversSchool\/transit bus driversAll driversOregonYesDrivers under 18All driversPennsylvaniaDepends on the city\/county local lawNoAll driversRhode IslandYesSchool bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18All driversSouth CarolinaNoNoAll driversSouth DakotaNoDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversTennesseeYesDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses and school bus driversAll driversTexasDrivers in school zonesDrivers aged 16 and 17 who have had their intermediates licenses for less than 6 monthsAll driversUtahDepends on the city\/county local lawDrivers under 18All driversVermontYesDrivers age 16 and 17 who have had their intermediates licenses for less than 6 monthsAll driversVirginiaNoSchool bus drivers and drivers under the age of 18All driversWashingtonYesDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversWest VirginiaYesDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses who are under 18All driversWisconsinNoDrivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licensesAll driversWyomingNoNoAll driversWashington D.C.YesDrivers with learner’s permits and school bus driversAll driversShow All RowsTips for preventing distracted drivingTo prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers, it is important to take steps to avoid distractions while driving. Here are some useful tips for preventing distracted driving to help drivers stay focused on the road, minimize phone usage, and utilize technological and personal solutions to prevent distracted driving.Use a cell phone mount while drivingCell phone mounts attach to your car\u2019s dashboard or hook onto the vent so you can easily access your phone while driving. This doesn\u2019t mean you should be texting or emailing while you\u2019re driving, though. Ideally, you should use a cell phone mount if you need to use your GPS and need to see the phone\u2019s screen to do so. You should still connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth if possible. This way, you can hear the directions and only glance at your phone as needed.Connect your phone to your car via BluetoothTo listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts and take calls hands-free, connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth. This connects your phone to your car speakers, making it easier to listen while driving.Use a hands-free ear deviceIf you have an older vehicle without Bluetooth or AUX connection, consider purchasing a hands-free ear device for your phone. This way, you can still take a call while driving if you need to. Turn your phone offIf you don\u2019t need to use your phone\u2019s GPS and don\u2019t rely on it to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, consider turning your phone off while you drive. Alternatively, you can put your phone in Airplane mode, which disconnects your phone\u2019s data, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities. Use voice-activated virtual assistant optionsInstead of sending or reading text messages while driving, use your phone\u2019s voice-activated virtual assistant option. Both Siri and Google Assistant have voice-to-text capabilities.How does a ticket for distracted driving affect your car insurance rates?If you get a distracted driving ticket, it\u2019s likely to increase your car insurance rates when your policy renews. On average, rates increase by about 21% after one violation. However, the amount of the increase depends on your insurance carrier and state. Some people may see upwards of a 46% premium increase.FAQsWhat are the dangers of texting and driving?Texting and driving is a dangerous behavior that diverts a driver’s attention from the road and increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident. Some of the dangers of texting and driving include:Reduced reaction timeImpaired drivingIncreased risk of accidentsLegal penaltiesIs texting and driving illegal?Texting while driving is illegal in most states. However, the specific laws and penalties for texting and driving vary depending on the jurisdiction, but in general, it is considered a form of distracted driving and can result in legal consequences if caught.How many people die from texting while driving?In 2020, NHTSA data revealed that 396 people were killed due to accidents caused by texting and driving. This statistic means there was more than one death per day due to texting while driving. Can you legally use your cell phone while driving in the USA?As of April 2023, 48 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have laws banning drivers from texting while driving. However, only 25 states, Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban drivers from handheld cell phone use.How to protect yourself from people texting and drivingIf you’re concerned about the dangers of texting and driving on the roads, you can do a few things to protect yourself. First, make sure to always wear your seatbelt and follow all traffic laws. Additionally, consider investing in safety features for your car, such as blind spot monitoring or automatic emergency braking. Finally, make sure your car insurance includes uninsured\/underinsured motorist coverage to protect you from distracted drivers without insurance.To ensure you have the best coverage at the most competitive price, compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers today.Sources:\u201cGlobal Status Report On Road Safety 2019 (World Health Organization)\u201cDistracted Driving Dangers\u201d (National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration)\u201cTransportation Safety, Distracted Driving\u201d (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Texting and Driving Statistics (The Zebra)State Laws on Distracted Driving – Ban on Hand-Held Devices and Texting While Driving (Bureau of Transportation Statistics)Related content:Distracted Driving Statistics in 2023Road Rage Statistics in 2022Drowsy Driving Statistics for 2023Drunk Driving Statistics in 2022Holiday Death Statistics and the Dangers Of Holiday Driving"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Advice","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Auto","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/\/auto\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Texting and Driving Statistics You Need To Know","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/texting-and-driving-statistics\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]