With a distraction rate of 38.08%, New Mexico tops the list, according to Forbes Advisor. Despite efforts to curb distractions, such as texting while driving, the state still faces challenges in promoting safer driving habits.
The state lacks legislation that bans handheld cellphone use while driving but does have legislation in place that bans texting and driving. Data from the NHTSA showed that 139 out of 365 fatal crashes occurred because of a distracted driver.
At 21.99%, Kansas struggles with high rates of distracted driving incidents. With no cellphone usage restrictions in the state, drivers are taking full advantage of their freedom to use their cell phones and drive, it seems.
About 84 out of 382 fatal crashes happened due to one or more distracted drivers. While not as bad as New Mexico’s distraction rate, it has much room for improvement. Fortunately, there is at least a texting and driving ban in place.
Louisiana follows closely behind with a distraction rate of 19.82%. The state grapples with issues surrounding distracted driving, emphasizing the need for continued awareness campaigns and stricter driving laws.
Louisiana had one of the highest numbers of fatal crashes due to distracted driving, at 151 incidents. Of course, with 762 fatal crashes in the state, there were plenty of other causes of concern as well.
Wyoming faces a distraction rate of 18.42%, reflecting the ongoing battle against unsafe driving behaviors. Education and legislative efforts would better address this concerning trend.
While only 21 out of 114 fatal crashes occurred due to distracted driving, that’s still a high percentage for the least populated state in the country.
Hawaii, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is unfortunately grappling with a concerning distraction rate of 17.28%. Whether it's the temptation to check a text message or adjust the GPS while navigating the island's scenic routes, the consequences of distracted driving are far-reaching.
Hawaii had 14 out of 81 fatal crashes that occurred because of distracted driving, but that doesn’t even account for non-fatal crashes.
Jersey's distraction rate stands at 17.18%, prompting initiatives to combat distracted driving and promote safer road practices, including the banning of handheld cellphone use while driving.
New Jersey had a total of 94 fatal crashes that occurred as a result of distracted driving. In total, there were 547 fatal crashes.
With a rate of 16.57% of fatal crashes in the state, Washington faces its share of distracted driving challenges. Measures are in place to raise awareness and enforce laws to ensure road safety.
Washington’s gloomy clouds are nothing compared to the shadow casted by its distracted driving habits.
Illinois grapples with a distraction rate of 15.73%, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to mitigate distractions and enhance road safety.
Comparable to Louisiana, Illinois had one of the highest number of fatal crashes because of distracted driving. About 171 fatal crashes were the result of distractions on the road. However, Illinois had more fatal crashes altogether with 1,087 incidents.
With a distraction rate of 12.94%, Virginia implements strategies to address distracted driving, including public awareness campaigns and legislative measures.
Virginia had 103 occurrences of distracted driving out of 796 fatal crashes, laying a vast, deadly burden on Virginia’s roads.
Kentucky faces a distraction rate of 12.83%, showing that despite legislation in place, Kentucky is still texting, talking, and browsing its way into a fatal car crash.
Kentucky’s numbers were comparable to New Jersey's, with 91 fatal crashes due to distracted drivers. However, Kentucky had slightly more fatal crashes in general, which is why it ranks lower.
