Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Each April, we recognize National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative to bring attention to one of the most common—and preventable—causes of road accidents. It’s a powerful reminder for individuals, businesses, and communities to commit to safer, more focused driving habits.
At Sentinel, we partner with our clients and vendor partnerships to reduce risk and protect lives. National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a critical opportunity to reinforce our collective responsibility behind the wheel—and take real steps to prevent tragedy.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. While texting and other phone-related activities are the most well-known distractions, many others pose serious risks:
- Visual – Looking away from the road
- Manual – Removing hands from the wheel
- Cognitive – Letting your mind drift from the task at hand
Remember, even a split second of distraction can have life-altering consequences. On average, it only takes 3 seconds of distracted driving to result in serious collisions and even fatalities.
The Data
Based on the most recent data released in 2024, derived from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency responsible for collecting and reporting national traffic safety data, distracted driving was a factor in 3,308 deaths, accounting for approximately 8% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. An estimated 289,310 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Approximately 5% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the incident.
The prevalence of drivers using handheld cell phones at any given daylight moment decreased from 4.6% in 2013 to 2.1% in 2022. Despite a 3.6% decrease in overall traffic deaths in 2023, distracted driving remains a significant concern today.
The Hard Facts
- Texting while driving increases crash risk by 23 times
- More than 3,000 people are killed each year due to distracted driving (NHTSA).
- 1 in 4 car crashes involve cellphone use—even hands-free isn’t risk-free.
How Employers Can Lead the Way
Whether your employees drive company vehicles or commute daily, promoting distraction-free driving can directly impact safety and liability. Here’s how your organization can get involved:
- Update and Enforce Fleet & Mobile Device Policies
Make it clear: no texting, no browsing, no calls while driving. - Launch an Internal Awareness Campaign
Use posters, emails, and real-world stories to engage employees all month long. - Training or Host a Safety Talk
Educate staff on the cognitive science behind distracted driving and offer practical tips. - Encourage a “Safe Driving” Pledge
Get your team to commit to driving distraction-free, and spotlight employees who lead by example.
Sentinel’s Commitment to Safer Roads
At Sentinel, we believe that distracted driving is 100% preventable. With clear policies, consistent education, and a culture of accountability, we can reduce risk and protect what matters most, our employees’ lives. This National Distracted Driving Awareness Month let’s recommit to focused driving and a safer future for everyone on the road.
Sentinel offers industry experts to help organizations grasp key concepts surrounding fleet and transportation safety. We offer an array of services, including onsite assessments, policy review, training, and more, to suit your company’s specific risk engineering solutions. Need help developing a fleet safety policy or launching a distraction-free campaign at your workplace? Contact us today for more information to help prevent distracted driving incidents in your workforce. Stay alert. Drive smart. Your life and others depend on it.
