Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from the task of driving. In 2021, 140 people were killed in California in crashes involving a distracted driver, an increase of 27.3% from 2020. Mobile devices remain the biggest the biggest distraction for drivers, whether it is texting, taking pictures, emailing, or using apps. A 2023 OTS Public Opinion Survey found 74.2% percent of Californians identified distracted driving (texting or talking) as their biggest traffic safety concern on California roadways. Distracted driving countermeasures include paid media education campaigns that inform the public of the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to travel free of distractions. Outreach activities and education programs target teen drivers to change behaviors and stay off the phone while driving, as data shows driver distraction is the primary cause of major injury crashes involving teens. Grant programs also include dedicated enforcement of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
DISTRACTED DRIVING PROGRAM AREA GOALS
- Reduce fatal crashes involving drivers using handheld cell phones.
- Reduce injury crashes involving drivers using handheld cell phones.
