Which States Have the Most Distracted Driving Accidents in 2025?

Every time a driver checks a phone behind the wheel, lives are at risk. A comparative analysis of distracted driving statistics across U.S. states reveals that differences in laws and enforcement strategies significantly impact crash rates.

But which U.S. states are experiencing the highest number of distracted driving accidents in 2025?

New Mexico has the highest percentage of fatal crashes caused by distracted driving in 2025, followed by Kansas, Louisiana, and New Jersey, with New Mexico’s rate nearing 40% of all fatal traffic incidents. These statistics come from the latest national reports including Zutobi, NHTSA, and legal analyses.

As attorneys who represent accident victims in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we’re committed to highlighting the dangers of distracted driving—and holding at-fault drivers accountable. At Mattiacci Law, we understand how devastating distracted driving accidents can be, with driver distraction being a key factor in increased crash risk and fatalities.

This guide reviews the latest statistics, explores causes, identifies high-risk groups, and highlights prevention efforts — offering a full 2025 snapshot of the dangers posed by distracted driving. Disease control agencies also recognize distracted driving as a significant public health issue, emphasizing the need for coordinated safety measures.

 

 

Introduction to Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major road safety issue in the United States, causing thousands of preventable deaths and injuries annually. Despite widespread awareness, many drivers still engage in risky behaviors like using cell phones, managing emotional stress, or performing routine tasks such as eating or adjusting controls.

These distractions impair focus and increase the likelihood of serious crashes and legal consequences. Rising cellphone-related incidents also lead to higher insurance rates and stricter distracted driving laws. Understanding the impact of distracted driving is essential for identifying high-risk groups and developing effective prevention strategies to improve road safety nationwide.

 

Top 10 States with the Highest Distracted Driving Fatality Rates

Based on recent data, the following states have the highest percentages of traffic fatalities involving distracted driving: Louisiana experienced 17.33% of all fatal accidents in 2022 due to distracted drivers. In these top states, a significant proportion of police reported crashes were attributed to distracted driving, highlighting the ongoing risk on the roads.

Rank	State	Distracted Driving Fatalities (%)
1	New Mexico	39.86%
2	New Jersey	26.48%
3	Kansas	24.18%
4	Louisiana	16.90%
5	Kentucky	17.46%
6	Hawaii	20.72%
7	Idaho	15.46%
8	Texas	11.09%
9	Washington	13.46%
10	Wyoming	8.47%

 

Source: Zutobi Distracted Driving Report

New Mexico leads with nearly 40% of its traffic fatalities linked to distracted driving, far above the national average. Contributing factors include differences in state laws, enforcement, and public awareness efforts.

The rate of licensed drivers involved in distraction-related fatal crashes is notably higher in these states, with some exceeding the national average per 100,000 drivers. Distracted drivers accounted for 5% of fatal crashes and 8% of total fatalities. Despite ongoing efforts, distracted driving fatalities rose 14% from 2018 to 2022 and have remained steady at 8% of all fatal crashes since 2018.

 

How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in 2025

Distracted driving is still responsible for a shocking number of lives lost nationwide:

• 3,240 deaths from distraction-related crashes in 2025 (NHTSA estimate)

• Distraction-affected fatal crashes accounted for 8% of all U.S. traffic fatalities in 2025, a percentage that has remained relatively unchanged since 2018.

• Teen drivers are 3x more likely to crash due to distraction, and younger drivers, especially those in their teens and early twenties, face a significantly higher risk of distraction-related crashes compared to other age groups.

• On average, 9 Americans die each day in traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers.

• 42% of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes are between the ages of 20 and 39.

When comparing age groups, data shows that younger drivers are the most at risk for distraction-related crashes, while middle-aged and older drivers are less frequently involved in such incidents.

National Trend: 2023–2025 Comparison

Year	Distracted Driving Fatalities	% of All Traffic Deaths
2023	3,275	8.1%
2024	3,265	8.1%
2025	3,240 (projected)	8.0%

Despite public awareness campaigns, distracted driving’s share of fatalities has remained steady—even as overall crashes decline. The rate of deadly crashes linked to distraction has remained the same since 2018, indicating limited success from current prevention efforts.

 

What Causes Distracted Driving Accidents?

According to the National Safety Council, drivers are distracted over half the time behind the wheel. Distractions fall into three types: cognitive (mind off driving, like daydreaming), manual (hands off the wheel, such as eating or using a phone), and visual (eyes off the road).

Despite many believing they can manage distractions, these behaviors significantly impair driving ability by slowing reactions, reducing lane control, and decreasing stability, thereby increasing crash risk.

 

Most Common Distractions in 2025

• Texting or using a phone (calls, social media, apps)

• Phone conversations while driving are a common distraction and have been linked to increased crash risk and legal consequences.

• Adjusting navigation/music systems

• Eating, drinking, or reaching for objects

• Grooming or personal care

• Passenger conversations (especially among teens)

• Novice drivers, such as young or less experienced drivers, are particularly susceptible to distractions like cell phone use, increasing their risk of being involved in crashes.

• Drivers should manage emotions, tiredness, or stress before driving.

• Avoiding distractions is a proactive safety measure that can help prevent accidents and keep all road users safe.

Research from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows drivers are distracted 52% of the time behind the wheel, significantly increasing crash risk.

Key takeaway:,Despite public awareness campaigns, distracted driving remains one of America’s most persistent traffic threats.

 

Why Are Some States Worse Than Others?

Several key factors influence the rate of distracted driving crashes by state, including legislation, enforcement, technology use, and public awareness.

• Legislation: States without full handheld bans tend to have higher fatality rates. For example, Montana still allows phone use while driving, and Missouri only prohibits texting for drivers under 21. The absence of comprehensive texting bans and restrictions on handheld devices contributes to elevated distracted driving incidents. Studies show that states with strict texting bans and handheld device bans experience lower crash rates, highlighting the effectiveness of such legislation.

• Law enforcement practices: States with primary enforcement laws (like Oregon) see better outcomes.

• Tech adoption: States with higher smartphone penetration report more distraction-related crashes.

• Public awareness campaigns: Strong outreach programs correlate with fewer fatal crashes.

 

Key 2025 Distracted Driving Statistics

To provide a clear overview of distracted driving’s impact in 2025, the table below summarizes essential statistics related to fatalities, common distractions, and high-risk groups. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges and underscore the importance of targeted prevention efforts nationwide.

Driver safety initiatives, such as stricter legislation and public awareness campaigns, play a crucial role in reducing distracted driving fatalities. Research using driving simulators has provided valuable insights into how distractions, including cell phone use, impair driver attention, though real-world conditions can differ.

Additionally, the adoption of hands free devices is promoted as a strategy to encourage safer driving habits and minimize distraction-related risks.

Statistic	Data
Total U.S. traffic fatalities (2025 est.)	~40,500
Distracted driving fatalities (2025 est.)	~3,240
Percentage of total deaths linked to distraction	8%
Most common distraction	Cell phone use
Teen drivers crash risk compared to adults	3x higher
Top 3 states for distracted driving deaths	Texas, California, Florida

 

Description: Table showing key 2025 distracted driving statistics and national trends.

 

Distracted Driving Fatalities 2023 to 2025 Comparison

The following table provides a clear comparison of distracted driving fatalities over the past three years, illustrating the slight changes in total deaths and the consistent proportion of these fatalities relative to all traffic deaths. This data highlights how distracted driving remains a persistent issue despite overall improvements in road safety.

Year	Distracted Driving Fatalities	Percent of All Traffic Deaths
2023	3,275	8.1%
2024	3,265	8.1%
2025 (Projected)	3,240	8.0%

 

Description: Table comparing distracted driving fatalities over the past three years.

Trend: While total fatalities have decreased slightly, distracted driving’s share of overall deaths has remained constant.

 

Factors Contributing to High Distracted Driving Rates

Several elements influence the prevalence of distracted driving incidents in these states: Kentucky reported 17.20% of all fatal accidents in 2022 were due to distracted driving.

• Legislation and Enforcement: States with less stringent laws or lax enforcement may see higher rates of distracted driving. For instance, while many states have enacted bans on texting while driving, the enforcement intensity varies. Penalties for violating distracted driving laws also vary, with some states imposing higher fines in school or work zones.

• Public Awareness: The effectiveness of public education campaigns plays a role. States investing in comprehensive awareness programs tend to report lower incidents.

• Technology Usage: The proliferation of smartphones and in-car infotainment systems has increased potential distractions. States with higher tech adoption rates may experience more related incidents. However, emerging technologies such as hands-free communication systems and early warning features are being developed to help reduce driver distraction and improve road safety.

 

How Has Distracted Driving Changed in 2025?

Distracted driving remains a top cause of car accidents nationwide

In 2025, distracted drivers played a significant role in causing traffic crashes, particularly those involving cell phone use and other distractions. Distracted driving contributed to approximately 8% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes, with cell phones leading as the most common cause of distraction.

Daydreaming was the top cause of distracted driving crashes, making up 63% of fatal crashes, while cell phone use accounted for 12% of fatal crashes. These distraction-related incidents continue to drive the statistics on traffic crashes, highlighting the ongoing impact of cellphones on road safety, as they were a factor in 12% of fatal crashes in 2022 as well.

 

 

How Technology Is Changing Distracted Driving Behavior

New technology plays a double-edged role.

Problematic trends:

• Larger, more complex infotainment screens increase visual distraction.

• App-based navigation and music selection demand driver attention.

• Voice command systems can create cognitive overload, though many state hands-free laws permit the use of voice commands or limited touch controls to help drivers comply with regulations.

• Optimism bias causes many drivers to overestimate their ability to multitask safely while driving, despite evidence showing the dangers of such distractions.

• Larger, more complex infotainment screens increase visual distraction.

• App-based navigation and music selection demand driver attention.

• Voice command systems can create cognitive overload.

Positive solutions:

• Apps like DriveMode and Apple Focus automatically block incoming notifications while driving.

• New cars now offer “driver monitoring systems” using AI to detect and warn about distracted behavior.

Automakers and tech companies are facing growing pressure from regulators to include more distraction-prevention features in future vehicles. The federal government, through agencies like the FMCSA and NHTSA, plays a key role in establishing and enforcing distracted driving technology standards to improve driver safety.

 

How Cell Phone Use Impacts Car Accidents in 2025

Cell phone use while driving continues to be the leading cause of distracted driving crashes. From 2011 to 2022, fatal crashes involving cellphone use remained steady, with incidents ranging from 354 to 453 cases annually. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that handheld phone use while driving rose 2% from 2024 to 2025.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• Drivers texting are 23 times more likely to crash than undistracted drivers.

• Even hands-free phone use quadruples accident risk by diverting cognitive attention from the road.

• 42% of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes are between the ages of 20 and 39.

• Drivers aged 35 to 59 accounted for about 30% of distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

Video streaming, app navigation, and social media use while driving have increased markedly, particularly among drivers aged 18–34.

 

How Age Affects Distracted Driving Risk

Teens and young adults face the highest risk of distracted driving crashes.
CDC Youth Risk Behavior data shows:

• 42% of high school students admit to texting or emailing while driving.

• Drivers aged 16–19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal distracted driving crash compared to drivers over 20.

• Drivers aged 25 to 34 made up 23% of all distracted drivers in deadly crashes, the highest percentage of any age group.

• Drowsiness poses a major danger to drivers and may be exacerbated by personal choices and stress.

• 42% of high school students admit to texting or emailing while driving.

• Drivers aged 16–19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal distracted driving crash compared to drivers over 20.

Adults aged 30–49 are also increasingly distracted, often by work-related communications and app navigation while commuting.

Older drivers (65+) generally report lower distraction rates, but suffer more severe injuries when distraction-related crashes occur.

Distraction affects drivers of all ages, but teens and young adults remain the highest risk group.

 

How Distracted Driving Laws and Enforcement Are Evolving

As of 2025:

• 31 states have banned handheld phone use while driving.

• 48 states ban texting while driving for all drivers, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• 22 states allow primary enforcement, meaning police can stop drivers solely for using a phone.

• As of 2024, 25 states and Washington, D.C., ban drivers from holding phones while driving.

Successful policy examples include:

• Oregon, where handheld bans plus aggressive enforcement reduced distracted driving deaths by 12% between 2023–2025.

• New York, which expanded penalties for school zone phone use, leading to an 8% reduction in related fatalities.

However, gaps remain in states without handheld bans, like Montana, where distracted driving fatalities remain elevated.

 

Impact on Traffic and Safety

Distracted driving doesn’t just endanger individual drivers—it disrupts the entire flow of traffic and undermines road safety for everyone. When drivers take their eyes or attention off the road, even for a moment, they create hazardous conditions that can lead to sudden stops, rear-end collisions, and unpredictable driving patterns.

As a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes, distracted driving results in millions of incidents each year, causing injuries, fatalities, and significant traffic congestion. These crashes can block lanes, delay emergency response, and create ripple effects that slow down traffic for miles. The impact extends beyond the crash site, affecting the movement of all vehicles and the efficiency of emergency services.

By understanding how distracted driving contributes to unsafe roads and traffic jams, we can better appreciate the importance of raising awareness and promoting responsible driving habits. Reducing distracted driving is essential not only for individual safety but also for improving overall traffic flow and protecting all road users.

 

Future Predictions for Distracted Driving Fatalities

Experts at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) project:

• Distracted driving fatalities could plateau without stricter laws, technology fixes, and public awareness.

• Without change, distracted driving could account for 10% of all road deaths by 2030.

Recommended strategies for change include:

• Mandatory phone disabling technology while a vehicle is in motion.

• Stricter employer policies for commercial drivers.

• Expanded public campaigns focused on behavioral change, particularly targeting young drivers.

 

Measures to Combat Distracted Driving

To address the rising concerns, various strategies are being implemented:

• Enhanced Legislation: Some states are moving towards stricter laws, including hands-free mandates and higher penalties for violations.

• Public Education Campaigns: Initiatives like “Put the Phone Away or Pay” aim to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving according to NHTSA.

• Technology Solutions: Advancements such as apps that disable phone functions while driving and in-car systems that monitor driver attention are being promoted.

• Personal Responsibility: Setting destinations and playlists before driving can lower distractions.

• Community Partnerships: Community organizations partner with law enforcement to promote safe driving behaviors.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, distracted driving remains a serious road safety threat in the U.S., with daydreaming and cell phone use as leading causes. While smaller states like Alaska report fewer incidents, larger states such as California and Texas see higher numbers. Minimizing distractions, especially phone use, is vital to prevent fatal crashes.

Victims should consult a lawyer to seek compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable. In 2022, distracted driving caused 3,047 fatal crashes—8% of all fatalities—highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and stronger public awareness to enhance road safety.

 

Get Help From a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been injured in a distracted driving accident, you deserve justice.
At Mattiacci Law, our attorneys have decades of experience holding distracted drivers accountable and helping injured victims recover maximum compensation.

Call us today at 215-914-6919 for a free consultation.
Let us fight for your rights and your future.