Distracted Driving

Why Distracted Driving Matters

Distracted driving is a significant safety concern in Los Angeles County. According to a 2023 survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety, 74.2% of Californians say distracted driving such as texting or calling while driving is their top traffic safety concern (SafeTREC, UC Berkeley). Despite laws banning handheld device use behind the wheel, distractions continue to endanger drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Public education and safer driving habits are essential to reducing these preventable crashes and saving lives across Los Angeles County.

4 Types of Distractions:

Visual: Eyes off the road (looking at a phone, GPS, or something outside the car)
Manual: Hands off the wheel (texting, eating, adjusting controls)
Cognitive: Mind off driving (thinking about something else, daydreaming)
Auditory: Distracted by sounds (loud music, phone alerts, noisy passengers)

The Impact of Distracted Driving:

These distractions have serious consequences on the road.

Young drivers are especially at risk—teens are the largest group reported as distracted at the time of a fatal crash.

In Los Angeles County, distracted driving contributes to nearly 22,000 crashes each year.
In California there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in 2022.

23x

Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to crash (Richtel, 2009).

148

2024 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted Driving

How to Avoid Distractions

The good news is there are simple steps you can take to stay focused behind the wheel.

Before you drive:

Silence your phone or turn on Do Not Disturb.
Set your GPS and music.
Check that you are calm and not too tired to drive.

While driving:

Keep both hands on the wheel.
Focus your eyes on the road.
Ignore or pull over to answer calls, texts, and notifications.
Ask passengers to help or stay calm (e.g., help with directions)
Lead by example—especially for teen drivers watching you

Passengers Can Be Distractions

Did You Know?

Passengers can take your focus off the road. Talking, laughing, showing you their phone, or playing loud music are all distractions.
For teen drivers, having other teens in the car makes a crash more likely. The more passengers, the higher the risk.
94% of young people think passengers are a distraction while driving

Tips for Passengers:

Keep your voice down.
Let the driver focus.
Don’t show the driver your phone.
Help with directions if asked.

Speak Up: Why It’s Important

Being a passenger means you can help keep everyone safe. Speaking up when the driver is distracted can save lives.

Did you know?

64% would speak up if the driver was talking on a handheld phone.
84% would speak up if the driver was texting.
90% say they would stop texting while driving if a friend asked them to.

Distracted Driving Laws in California

In California:

It’s illegal to use a handheld phone while driving
Texting while driving is prohibited, even at red lights
Hands-free only for drivers over 18; no phone use at all for drivers under 18

Learn More About State Driving Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hands-free driving safe?

Safer than handheld, but still a distraction—your focus should be on the road.

Can I text at a red light?

No. California law bans texting even when stopped at a red light.

Are there exceptions for emergencies?

Yes. You may use your phone in emergencies to call law enforcement or medical help.