Our law firm is still here for you during this time of uncertainty. We are open and conducting business without interruption.

An Update From Our Firm Regarding COVID-19

Texting and Driving Accident Statistics

Shocking Statistics That Will Make You Think Twice About Grabbing Your Phone

The numbers illustrating the dangers of cell phone use while driving are downright startling. In fact, at any given time throughout the day, approximately 660,000 drivers are attempting to use their phones while behind the wheel of an automobile.

Smartphones have made it easy for us to stay connected at all times. But that can pose serious safety risks if someone decides to check his or her text messages, emails, phone calls, or any other mobile applications while driving.

Cell phone distraction rates are alarmingly high. We hope with a little information, you'll make the right decision when you're on the road. The following figures were the most up-to-date statistics at the time of our latest research. If you have any questions, or require more recent information, please refer to our sources at the bottom of this page for more information.

General Cell Phone Statistics

The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.

Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving.

1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

Texting while driving is 6x more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk.

Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. Traveling at 55 mph, that's enough time to travel the length of a football field.

Texting while driving causes a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road.

Of all cell phone related tasks, texting is by far the most dangerous activity.

94 percent of drivers support a ban on texting while driving.

74 percent of drivers support a ban on hand-held cell phone use.

Teen Driver Cell Phone Statistics

According to a AAA poll, 94 percent of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35% admitted to doing it anyway.

21 percent of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted by their cell phones.

Teen drivers are 4x more likely than adults to get into car crashes or near-crashes when talking or texting on a cell phone.

A teen driver with only one additional passenger doubles the risk of getting into a fatal car accident. With two or more passengers, they are 5x as likely.

2017 U.S. Cell Phone and Driving Statistics

Parents with young children were more 13 percent likely to be distracted while driving than adults with no small children

3,166 people were killed by distracted driving in 2017

In 2017, there were 34,247 distracted driving accidents

15,341 drivers aged 15-29 were involved in fatal crashes due to distraction or cell phone use

2016 U.S. Cell Phone and Driving Statistics

Fatalities in distraction-affected crashes decreased from 3,526 in 2015 to 3,450 in 2016, or a decrease of 2.2 percent.

263 teens (age 15 to 19) were killed as a result of distracted driving in 2016.

10 percent of all teen motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2016 involved distracted driving.

The NHTSA estimates that every day 660,000 drivers use electronic devices while behind the wheel.

2015 U.S. Cell Phone and Driving Statistics

In 2015, 3,477 people were killed and 391,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

2013 U.S. Cell Phone and Driving Statistics

In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in distraction-related crashes.

in distraction-related crashes. About 424,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

In 2013, 10% of all drivers ages 15 to 19 involved in fatal accidents were reported to be distracted at the time of the crash.

2012 U.S. Cell Phone and Driving Statistics

In 2012, 3,328 people were killed in distraction-related crashes.

in distraction-related crashes. About 421,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

In 2012, 11% of drivers under age 20 involved in fatal accidents were reported to be distracted at the time of the crash.

One-fourth of teenagers respond to at least one text message every time they drive and 20% of teens and 10% of parents report having multi-text message conversations while driving.

2012 National Survey on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors

Nearly half (48%) of drivers admit to answering their cell phones while driving.

while driving. Of those who answered their phones while driving, 58% of drivers continued to drive while talking on the phone .

. In the survey, 24% of drivers reported that they are willing to make a phone call while driving.

One in 10 drivers surveyed said that, at least sometimes, they send text messages or emails while driving.

Of the drivers surveyed, 14% said they read text messages or emails while driving .

. A majority of respondents supported laws that banned talking on cell phones, texting, or emailing while driving.

2012 Texting Pedestrian Study

Researchers from the University of Washington monitored 20 of Seattle's busiest intersections and observed the following:

Pedestrians who text are 4x less likely to look before crossing the street, cross in crosswalks, or obey traffic signals.

They also found that texting pedestrians take an average of two seconds longer to cross the street.

For statistics from 2011 and before, check out our Past Cell Phone and Driving Statistics.

Injured By a Texting Driver? Contact Us Today

As cell phone use and driving becomes a national problem, the chances of being involved in a car accident with a distracted driver increase. If you're ever injured by the carelessness of another driver, contact our law firm for a free consultation.

There's never a fee to call and speak with us, and you're never obligated to hire our law firm after you call. Get the answers you need.