Every day, drivers across the United States make a decision—conscious or otherwise—that puts their lives, and the lives of others, at risk. The choice to glance at a phone, adjust an in-car entertainment system, or engage in any other distraction behind the wheel has proven to be fatal for thousands of Americans each year.
Distracted driving remains one of the foremost causes of roadway fatalities in the country, a crisis that safety advocates say is both persistent and entirely preventable. And yet, despite public awareness campaigns, technological advances, and stricter laws in many states, the problem continues unabated.
This April, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the National Safety Council (NSC) is intensifying its call for urgent action, urging policymakers, industry leaders, and individual drivers to confront a behavior that has become dangerously ingrained in modern life.
A Survivor’s Wake-Up Call
Tasha Hairston Springs knows all too well how quickly a routine drive can turn into a near-tragedy. While traveling at 70 miles per hour on a highway, she made what seemed like a minor decision—glancing down at her phone to reply to a text from her daughter. In that instant, she lost control of her vehicle, crashing into a highway barrier with force that could have easily been fatal. She was not wearing a seatbelt.
“When people use their phones while driving, they convince themselves it’s a quick glance, that nothing will happen,” Ms. Hairston said. “I thought responding to my daughter was urgent—but I never considered it could have been the last time I spoke to her.”
Miraculously, she survived. Now, she is dedicating her voice to advocacy, warning others of the dangers that she once dismissed.
Her story is not unique. Each year, thousands of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists are killed in crashes where distraction played a role. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that distracted driving contributes to more than 3,000 fatalities annually, though experts believe the true number may be significantly higher due to underreporting.
A Widespread and Persistent Issue
Despite growing awareness of its dangers, distracted driving remains an everyday reality. The proliferation of smartphones and increasingly complex in-car technology has only exacerbated the problem. Features designed for convenience—such as hands-free calling, navigation systems, and voice-activated controls—often create a false sense of safety, leading drivers to believe they can multitask behind the wheel.
“Unfortunately, distracted driving isn’t a new phenomenon,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at NSC. “We’ve known for years that this is a leading cause of crashes, injuries, and deaths. And yet, despite so many tragic incidents, distracted driving continues to be an overlooked aspect of everyday life for millions of Americans.”
Mr. Chung emphasized the need for decisive action from both the public and private sectors, stressing that a collaborative approach is essential to making lasting progress in the fight against distracted driving.
A Path Toward Safer Roads
To address the crisis, the NSC is advocating for the widespread adoption of the **Safe System Approach**, a comprehensive framework designed to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This strategy emphasizes a multi-layered approach to road safety, including:
- Stronger Policies – Advocating for legislation that limits phone use behind the wheel, enforces seatbelt laws, and penalizes distracted driving more aggressively.
- Advancements in Vehicle Technology – Encouraging automakers to develop and implement features that minimize distractions, such as automatic braking systems, lane-keeping assist, and phone-disabling modes when a vehicle is in motion.
- Improved Infrastructure – Designing roads that reduce the likelihood of crashes, including better signage, rumble strips, and separated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating drivers, particularly young and inexperienced ones, on the life-or-death consequences of distracted driving.
The ultimate goal, according to NSC, is simple but ambitious: **zero traffic deaths**.
A Call to Action
This year’s observance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month is sponsored by The Home Depot, with the NSC urging all stakeholders—legislators, automakers, corporations, and drivers—to recognize their role in preventing these avoidable tragedies.
For individual drivers, the message is clear: eliminating distractions is a personal responsibility. A single moment of inattention can lead to irreversible consequences, not only for the driver but for everyone sharing the road.
To learn more about preventing distracted driving and to take the NSC’s pledge to drive distraction-free, visit **nsc.org/justdrive**.
### About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council, America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate for over 110 years, is committed to eliminating the leading causes of preventable death in the workplace, on the road, and beyond. Through education, policy advocacy, and community initiatives, the organization seeks to create a culture of safety that extends beyond the workplace, ensuring people can live their fullest lives.