Sending a text message takes drivers’ eyes away from the roads for five seconds, on average. At 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which means we’re zeroing in on the epidemic on our roadways.
Cell phones are one of our biggest distractions as drivers, but they’re joined by dozens of others. Eating or drinking. Chatting with rowdy passengers. Looking in the mirror.
More than 3,300 people died in wrecks caused by distracted driving in 2022. Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and others safe on our roadways.
Why Distracted Driving Is Dangerous and How to Prevent It
Distractions caused about 400,000 crashes in 2024. That’s nearly 1,100 every day. And, because it’s hard to prove whether a person was paying attention when a crash occurred, these numbers likely underreport the number of distraction-related crashes.
There are three types of distractions drivers face:
- Visual, which takes your eyes off the road
- Manual, which takes your hands off the steering wheel
- Cognitive, which distracts you from driving
Reading, typing or sending texts requires visual, manual and cognitive attention, which makes cell phones particularly dangerous.
Common Types of Distracted Driving and Real-Life Examples
Here’s the easiest way to decide if something is a distraction: Does it take my attention — visual, manual or cognitive — away from driving?
Day-to-day distractions drivers face include:
- Reading, typing or sending text messages or email
- Scrolling or posting on social media
- Taking pictures or videos
- Setting or adjusting navigation
- Fiddling with the radio or music streaming apps
- Eating or drinking
- Searching for something in a bag or glove compartment
- Looking in the mirror
- Adjusting hair or applying makeup
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Rubbernecking or paying attention to something going on outside
- Engaging with passengers or monitoring children
It is impossible to list every distraction. It is also impossible to eliminate every distraction when you’re behind the wheel. However, it is our duty as licensed drivers to focus on the road as fully and as closely as possible.
State-by-State Distracted Driving and Hands-Free Laws
Every state except Montana has a law banning texting while driving. However, the strictness of the laws varies by state. Some states forbid texting and driving, while others have more comprehensive “hands-free” laws, banning drivers from physically handling mobile devices.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless, we represent clients across the country. Our attorneys are licensed in several states — here are the distracted driving laws in each.
Indiana
Though Indiana has banned texting while driving since 2011, it enacted a hands-free law in 2020. Under this law, drivers in the Hoosier state are prohibited from holding mobile devices while driving. This includes cell phones, smart watches and tablets.
This means drivers cannot hold phones to their ears while making phone calls. For phone calls, music or audio streaming, and GPS, drivers are allowed to use Bluetooth connections or headphones. They can also use voice-activated technology if necessary.
Indiana’s hands-free law is a primary enforcement law, which means law enforcement officers can pull drivers over solely for holding a device. Violating the law may result in a Class C infraction. Police officers can issue fines to drivers and assess points to their licenses.
Illinois
As of 2019, Illinois’ “drop it and drive” law prohibits texting, using electronic communications, and operating hand-held cell phones while driving. If you’re older than 19, you may use hands-free or Bluetooth technology in the car.
However, the state encourages drivers to pull off the road to a safe location to make phone calls, even if using hands-free technology.
In 2024, Illinois took restrictions further to explicitly prohibit video calls (like FaceTime or Zoom calls) and social media use while driving. This ban also applies at red lights and stop signs.
If you break the law, you may receive a moving violation and a fine. As Illinois Tollway writes, “A phone in one hand means a ticket in the other.”
Ohio
Enforcement of Ohio’s hands-free law began in October 2023. It is illegal for drivers to use or hold a cell phone or other mobile device, whether in their hands or laps.
Hands-free use — using speakerphone, Bluetooth, headphones, etc. — is permitted for drivers over the age of 18. Using your camera to take pictures or videos, making video calls, dialing phone numbers and using social media are all prohibited behaviors.
Audio streaming apps and navigation are allowed, so long as they are activated before driving and can be disabled or modified with a single touch or swipe.
There is an exception for drivers holding a phone to their ear during phone conversations. Drivers cannot be pulled over for holding or using devices while stopped at a red light or parked.
If you break the hands-free law, points may be assessed to your license, and you may receive a fine. If it’s your third offense in two years, your license may be suspended.
Missouri
Beginning in 2025, drivers in Missouri can now be fined for physically using or supporting cell phones while in their vehicles.
Prohibited behaviors include physically holding a phone with any part of your body; manually typing, sending or reading texts or emails; recording, posting or sending videos (this includes video calls, like FaceTime); or watching videos or movies.
If your phone is mounted in your vehicle and is voice-operated, it is legal. However, setting up the connection, engaging with navigation features and other tasks that require physical touch must be completed prior to driving.
Violating this law will lead to fines. If you drive while distracted by your phone and cause a serious crash, you may face jail time.
Kentucky
One of the remaining states without a hands-free law, Kentucky simply bans texting while driving.
More than 200 people are killed in distracted-driving crashes in Kentucky each year, making it one of the top five worst states for distracted driving. Innocent people continue to die because of cell phone use on Kentucky roadways.
A 2010 law bans texting while driving and allows those over 18 to use GPS devices and read or enter a phone number or name to make phone calls. If you violate the law, you may face fines.
Iowa
Recently, on April 2, 2025, Iowa became the 31st state to have a hands-free driving law. It will take effect July 1 and, after the first six months, drivers will be fined for violating it.
The law says drivers cannot touch their phones while driving; they must use hands-free mode. If a function takes a single touch or can be operated with verbal commands, it is permitted. While at a full stop (like at a red light) drivers may fully use their phones.
Iowa’s governor and several citizens expressed relief that the bill was signed into law, saying it will save lives and honor innocent people who lost their lives to distracted driving.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s hands-free driving law is stricter than some other states. Since 2019, it has been illegal in Tennessee to hold a phone or mobile device with any part of your body; write, send or receive text-based communication; watch videos or movies on a device; and/or record or broadcast video on a device.
The law even specifies that drivers are not to reach for a device if it means they are no longer in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt. All of these things are illegal even when stopped at a red light or in traffic.
Drivers over 18 may use hands-free and voice-based communication.
Violating the hands-free law may result in fines and points added to drivers’ records. In 2024, Tennessee passed the Eddie Conrad Act to increase the number of points added to drivers’ records if they violate the law.
Dangers of Distracted Driving for Truckers and Commercial Drivers
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are held to higher standards than the average passenger-vehicle driver. Truckers are responsible for hauling freight across the country. A fully loaded semi tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
Federal rules say that CMV drivers must be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. They must be alert, awake and focused when they’re behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, like other drivers, truckers are vulnerable to distractions while driving.
“The odds of being involved in a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash, unintentional lane deviation) are 23.2 times greater for CMV drivers who text while driving than for those who do not,” the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports.
Semis, 18-wheelers, dump trucks and other big rigs are difficult to steer. They require a larger braking distance. When irresponsibly operated, these trucks become weapons. It is crucial that truckers avoid all distractions when driving these vehicles.
The FMCSA enforces hands-free rules for truck drivers. They may not hold mobile phones but are allowed to use earpieces, speaker phone or voice activation to make calls. If caught breaking the rule, truckers may face thousands of dollars in fines. After several violations, a driver can lose their Commercial Driver’s License.
Some trucking companies go further and prohibit their drivers from even using hands-free technology. They prohibit any and all cell phone use while the vehicle is moving. The reason is, there are studies that show that even hands-free use can be distracting. The CDL Manual warns of this danger.
Additional Distracted Driving Risks for Truck Drivers
Truckers should avoid focusing on things (billboards, people, buildings) outside of their vehicles that aren’t related to driving, the FMCSA says. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are discouraged from using dispatching devices, reading paper maps, or eating and drinking while their trucks are moving.
Today, many motor carriers require their fleets to use driver-facing cameras. These devices monitor drivers’ behavior to make sure they are not distracted.
The cameras may be equipped with AI sensors that will send alerts if a trucker is looking down or away for too long, or if they have fallen asleep. The technology helps fleet managers ensure their drivers are safe and discourages dangerous practices.
Who Is Most at Risk for Distracted Driving?
The CDC reports that, “among fatal crashes involving distracted drivers in the U.S. in 2019, a higher percentage of drivers ages 15–20 were distracted than drivers age 21 and older.”
It also reports that about one in five people killed by distracted drivers were pedestrians, cyclists, or others outside of vehicles.
Distracted driving commonly causes rear-end or sideswipe collisions. Drivers may swerve into different lanes and strike others. These wrecks cost billions of dollars each year in medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.
How to Stay Focused and Avoid Distracted Driving
“By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash,” NHTSA writes on its website.
Here’s a quick and easy strategy: Don’t try to multi-task.
In today’s world, our cell phones are hard to stay away from. There are a few methods you can use to keep your attention on the road and away from your phone.
- If a passenger is riding with you, ask them to respond to urgent calls and messages on your phone so you don’t have to touch or look at it.
- Silence your notifications or set your phone to “do not disturb.” You can let friends and family know ahead of time that you will not be able to respond while driving.
- Stash your phone in the backseat or the glove box so that you cannot physically reach it.
- If you need your device for navigation, set it up before driving.
If you absolutely must use your cell phone, pull off the road to a safe spot, like a rest stop or gas station parking lot.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of other distractions in and around our cars.
For parents, it’s important to remember that children can be a huge distraction, occupying your visual, manual and cognitive attention. If you have teen drivers, remember that loud music and conversations with friends can be dangerous distractions.
Even in-vehicle technology can be hazardous. Touchscreen controls pull your hands away from the wheel and your eyes away from the road. Use voice-activated technology whenever possible.
Drowsy driving is closely related to distracted driving. When we’re sleepy, our brains process stimuli more slowly. Our reaction times aren’t as quick, and we’re significantly more likely to be involved in wrecks. Get a good night’s sleep or a power nap before hitting the road.
Using Texting and Driving Simulators to Teach Teen Drivers
Craig, Kelley & Faultless donated two texting and driving simulators to local fire departments so that they can host their own community safety events to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving. The firm has two other machines we use at safety events.
Most people who use our simulator machines believe that they can text or use cell phones while driving. They believe this because they have done it before or do it regularly without causing collisions.
That’s just luck. People who believe they can safely text and drive haven’t been confronted by someone stopping in the road or crossing their path while they’re looking at their phone. The simulator machines show what happens when faced with slow or stopped traffic or other adverse situations.
Using these machines shows drivers how great of a risk they are taking when they choose to drive distracted. They can be particularly useful to show young drivers how quickly the roads can become dangerous. Even one second of inattention is enough to cause a crash.
Attorneys with Experience Helping Distracted-Driving Victims
I have witnessed firsthand the horror caused by distracted driving. Every year, our firm is hired by people who have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one because of the distracted drivers of semis, dump trucks, wreckers, farm trucks, buses or other commercial motor vehicles.
I have seen cases where the driver was using his cell phone for navigation and was looking at the screen when he rear-ended and killed our client. I’ve had a client suffer a severe brain injury when a semi driver was using a hands-free cell phone while driving through a snow storm.
I could describe many other wrecks caused by distracted drivers. It only takes a few seconds of distraction to cause an accident.
Our Legal Team Helps Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you’ve been seriously injured in a wreck caused by a distracted trucker, you should hire a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced attorney will preserve all evidence and conduct investigations to find out what caused the crash and hold the driver and the trucking company accountable. It is never acceptable for a semi driver to operate a big rig while distracted or drowsy.
Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless represent personal injury and wrongful death victims across the country. They are licensed to practice in Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa and Tennessee.
Contact our commercial motor vehicle wreck attorneys today at (800) 746-0226 or through our online form.
David W. Craig is a nationally recognized truck accident lawyer who sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. He was the recipient of the National Thurgood Marshall “Fighting for Justice” Award for his work helping victims of truck wrecks. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.
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