Distracted Driving: A Growing Cause of Preventable Trauma
Distracted driving extends well beyond texting, although texting while driving is particularly dangerous. Texting while driving is the primary cause of distracted driving crashes. But anything that keeps your mind, eyes or hands off the wheel can be dangerous. Splitting your attention to eat, apply makeup or use a cell phone can result in a car crash.
Distracted Driving Statistics
- 3,275 people died in distracted-driving-related crashes in the U.S. in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Distracted driving caused nearly 1 in 5 crashes on Texas roads in 2024.
- Reading a text takes your eyes off the road for nearly 5 seconds.
- Using a phone to talk or text while driving is the same as driving with a .08 blood alcohol level, the equivalent of driving drunk in most states.
Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving
- Leave your cell phone in the back seat or somewhere out of reach while you are driving.
- If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe place and put the car in park.
- Clear away clutter and objects that could roll around and distract you.
- Get ready before you leave the house – don’t apply makeup or fix your hair while driving.
- Ask a passenger to be your copilot so you’re not navigating an unfamiliar route while driving.
- Don’t multitask – adjust your mirrors and music before getting on the road.
- If you’re a passenger and the driver seems distracted, speak up and ask them to focus on the road.
“Drive Now. Text L8R.” Program
The trauma team at University Health encourages everyone to put the phone down when driving. As part of our ongoing commitment to injury prevention, we created the “Drive Now. Text L8R.” campaign. This program includes an interactive presentation and a hands-on experience, either with a simulator or an on-campus driving course. We provide programs through an assembly or classroom presentation.
Call 210-358-4295 to schedule a “Drive Now. Text L8R.” presentation at your school or business today.
Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel
It is illegal to read, write or send a text while driving in Texas. When driving in San Antonio, our hands-free ordinance prohibits drivers from holding cell phones. You may only make or accept calls by speaker, headphones or through a Bluetooth device.