Distracted Driving: Simple Ways to Stay Focused and Safer on the Road
Distracted driving puts everyone at risk. Learn simple, practical tips to stay focused before, during and after driving — and how technology can help.
Distracted driving is one of the most preventable risks on today’s roads — yet it remains a serious safety issue nationwide. Whether it’s checking a phone, adjusting navigation, or multitasking behind the wheel, even a brief distraction can have lasting consequences.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a reminder that safer driving starts with awareness, preparation, and follow‑through. Below are practical tips drivers can use before, during, and after every trip to reduce distractions and build safer habits.
Why Distracted Driving Matters
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives in the U.S. in 2024, with hundreds of thousands more injured. Distraction was a factor in an estimated 8% of fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes, making it a persistent and preventable danger on U.S. roads.
As spring driving picks up — with more vehicles, more pedestrians, and more time spent on the road — staying focused behind the wheel becomes even more important.
Start Smart: What to Do Before You Start Driving
Safe driving begins before the engine turns on. A few simple steps can help eliminate common distractions before they arise.
Before you drive:
- Set your navigation, playlist, and climate controls in advance
- Put your phone out of reach (glove box, center console, or back seat)
- Turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving” or silence notifications
- Give yourself extra time so you’re not tempted to multitask
Why it helps: Reducing decisions before driving minimizes the urge to look away from the road once you’re moving.
Stay Focused: How to Reduce Distractions While You’re Driving
Once you’re on the road, driving should be the only task that has your attention.
While driving:
- Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel
- Avoid using your phone — even quick glances can increase crash risk
- Ask passengers to help with navigation or messages when possible*
- If something truly can’t wait, pull over safely before using your phone
*Note: For Signal® by Farmers® app users, passing your phone to a passenger during a trip may still be recorded as phone activity. It’s recommended to keep your phone stationary during trips — even when a passenger is helping.
Safety reminder: At highway speeds, taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can mean traveling the length of a football field without looking.
Reflect and Improve: What You Can Do After Your Trip
Safe driving doesn’t end when you park. Taking a moment after each trip can help reinforce better habits over time.
After your drive:
- Think about what went well and where you stayed focused.
- If you use a telematics app like the Signal® by Farmers® app, review your driving insights to better understand your habits.
- Use feedback as a learning tool — small improvements add up over time.
- Reset for your next trip with one intention to drive more focused.
Technology can support safer driving by helping drivers become more aware of behaviors they may not notice in the moment.
How Technology Can Support Safer Driving Habits
Digital tools and telematics programs are increasingly helping drivers build awareness around distracted driving. The Signal® by Farmers® app is designed to encourage safer driving habits by providing insights that help drivers stay mindful behind the wheel.
By reviewing trips and patterns after driving, many drivers find it easier to recognize distractions and make more informed choices on future trips.
Focused driving may come with a chance to win rewards.
Drivers enrolled in the Signal® by Farmers® app who meet monthly focused driving qualifications may be entered into a drawing, where eligible participants have an equal chance to win. Prize amounts and availability vary by state and by month, and qualifying does not guarantee a reward. For full details, eligibility requirements, and official rules, visit: Signal Rewards Sweepstakes Official Rules.
Coverage Spotlight: Why Preparation Matters
While prevention is key, understanding your auto insurance coverage is also an important part of being prepared. Distracted driving crashes can lead to vehicle damage, injuries, and unexpected expenses.
Drivers may want to review coverages such as:
- Liability car insurance, which can provide coverage if you cause injury or damage to others
- Medical payments or personal injury protection, which may help with medical expenses
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can help if another driver lacks adequate insurance
Knowing what coverage you have — before an incident happens — can help reduce stress if the unexpected occurs.
A Shared Responsibility on the Road
Distracted driving doesn’t just affect drivers. Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and entire communities feel the impact. Speaking up when it’s unsafe to drive distracted — and modeling focused driving — can help protect everyone on the road.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a reminder that attention saves lives, and small, thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference every time you drive.
Related Resources
Click on graphic to download