Study reveals 85% of Americans believe distracted driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving

Verra Mobility, a provider of smart mobility technology solutions, recently released results from a survey of 2,000 Americans aged 18+ who drive multiple times per week. In support of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the survey looked at Americans’ perceptions of driving behaviors, including distracted driving. It found that 85% of Americans believe distracted driving is equal to or more dangerous than drinking and driving.

According to the research, Americans are witnessing dangerous driving behaviors regularly:

• 89% witness speeding at least a couple times a week 
• 67% witness red light running at least once a month
• 65% witness a driver using their phone behind the wheel at least a couple of times a week 
• 60% have witnessed speeding in a school zone

The survey also found 63% of Americans feel the average driver has gotten worse in recent years, and 78% think drivers in their state are reckless. Distracted driving remains a problem for American roadways, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting that in 2024 alone, distracted driving was the cause of over 3,000 deaths and over 400,000 injuries nationwide. 

See also: Fleets Explained: What is distracted driving?

While drivers reported witnessing reckless driving on a daily basis, when asked to self-report their own behavior, the numbers were surprising. 65% of respondents reported that they have ‘never’ driven distracted in the past year. Further results followed:

• 74% claimed they had not used their phone while driving in the last year
• 49% reported they typically drove the speed limit, and an additional 45% said they typically drove 5-10 miles over the speed limit
• 85% said they had never exceeded the speed limit in a school zone

These numbers are in contrast to other driving behavior studies. 

For example, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 87% of drivers engage in unsafe behaviors behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in the U.S. in 2022. According to data from the National Safety Council, an average of nine lives are lost each day due to distracted driving. 

“The biggest takeaway from this survey is that Americans understand and recognize the dangers of distracted driving but may not be so inclined to recognize it in their own driving behaviors,” Jon Baldwin, EVP of government solutions at Verra Mobility, said. “I believe that the average American is a good driver and cares about safety on the roads. But being self-aware is key to making our roads safer so that everyone takes responsibility for their own driving behavior. Fortunately, we found a majority of Americans support a critical tool to help change these unsafe behaviors—automated photo enforcement."

When surveyors were asked about their opinions of technology-enabled safety programs that improve driving behavior, a majority of Americans are in support (59% of respondents) of automated enforcement. Where the support becomes really apparent is when it comes to children: 77% support these programs for school zones, and 96% support them for school buses.