Autor: Shelby Benavidez  

Abogado colaborador: Brad Russell, attorney

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Have you ever really thought about how far you’ve traveled while looking down to change the radio station? Or everything that happened around you while you were trying to find your exit on your GPS? Most drivers don’t, and that’s exactly why distracted driving is so dangerous. We get comfortable driving and, after a while, routine tasks don’t even feel like a distraction. But the road, no matter how many times we drive it, is far from predictable. 

So, just how big of a problem is distracted driving? Below are five facts that put it into perspective. Whether you’re a new driver, the parent of a teen driver, or someone who spends a lot of time on the road, these statistics might make you think twice before taking your eyes off the road. 

1. Texas Is One of the Worst States for Distracted Driving  

When it comes to distracted driving, Texas consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country.  

An analysis by MoneyGeek examined fatal crashes between 2018 and 2020 and found that 9.9% of fatal crashes in Texas involved distracted driving, placing Texas as the 13th worst state for distracted driving nationwide. The report also identified Fort Worth, Houston, Dallas, and Austin among the state’s most dangerous cities for distracted driving crashes.  

While Texas has one of the largest populations in the country, that doesn’t make these numbers any less concerning. Every distracted driving crash represents someone whose life changed due to serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or the loss of a loved one.  

Distracted driving is entirely preventable. It just takes every driver to commit to giving the road their full and undivided attention.  

2. Distracted Driving Was the Second-Leading Cause of Texas Car Crashes in 2025  

Distracted driving isn’t a problem that happens every now and then. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), distracted driving was the second most common factor in Texas car crashes in 2025, contributing to more than 86,000 car accidents.  

Distracted driving isn’t limited to texting. TxDOT identifies many everyday behaviors that can take a driver’s attention away from the road, including looking at a GPS for directions, eating or drinking, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, or even interacting with your passengers.  

Every one of these actions takes some combination of your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving.  

3. Drivers Can Travel 360 Feet While Reading a Single Text Message  

Many drivers believe that responding to a text is the only danger, but reading one while driving can be just as deadly. On average, it takes about four seconds to read a text message. Our brains are notoriously bad at judging how dangerous a few seconds can be behind the wheel.  

At 55 mph, a vehicle travels approximately 360 feet during those four seconds, roughly the length of an entire football field. It may not seem like much in an empty stadium, but you’re not driving on an empty road. During those 360 feet, traffic can suddenly stop, a child can run into the street, or another driver can drift into your lane. If you aren’t paying attention to the road, you won’t see any of it until it’s too late.  

Distracted Driving Tips for Cell Phone Use  

If your phone is one of your biggest distractions, these simple habits can make a huge difference:  

  • Turn on Do Not Disturb While Driving mode.  
  • Set your GPS and playlist before putting the car in gear.  
  • Place your phone somewhere you can’t easily reach.  
  • If a message or call is truly urgent, pull over somewhere safe before responding.  
  • Let friends and family know you don’t text while driving.  

Small changes like these can dramatically reduce your risk of causing or becoming involved in a distracted driving accident.  

4. Teen Drivers Have a Higher Risk of Distracted Driving Accidents  

Learning to drive comes with a steep learning curve.  

Teen drivers have less experience recognizing hazards, reacting to changing traffic conditions, and making split-second decisions. Add smartphones, passengers, or music into the mix, and the risk increases significantly.  

Drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash when using a cell phone, regardless of whether it’s handheld or hands-free. Research has also found that distractions were a factor in 58% of crashes involving teen drivers, making distracted driving one of the biggest safety challenges for new drivers.  

That doesn’t mean adults are immune from distraction; that’s definitely not the case. But teen drivers are still building the judgment and driving experience that come with time behind the wheel. 

Distracted Driving Tips for Parents and Teens  

Parents play a big role in shaping a teen’s driving habits. Here are a few simple ways to encourage safe, distraction-free driving. 

  • Keep phones out of reach while driving.  
  • Limit passengers until more driving experience is gained.  
  • No eating, applying makeup, or grooming behind the wheel.  
  • Be open, honest, and direct. Explain the real consequences of distracted driving. Don’t assume they’ll “just know better.”  
  • Lead by example and practice what you preach. If you’re texting while driving, but telling your teen it’s dangerous, they’re less likely to take you seriously.  

5. Distracted Driving Can Slow Your Reaction Time as Much as Alcohol  

There are many people who would never get behind the wheel after having a few drinks. Yet, many of those same drivers don’t think twice about texting and driving. Ironically, research from the Texas Transportation Institute found that distracted driving can slow a driver’s reaction time by up to 50%, which is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol.  

While driving, it’s crucial that you’re able to react quickly. A child or animal may run into the street, the car in front of you may slam on its brakes, or another driver may drift into your lane. When your brain is focused on something other than driving, those extra fractions of a second can determine whether you stop safely or cause a devastating crash.  

That’s why distracted driving should be taken just as seriously as impaired driving. Both reduce your ability to react, make decisions, and avoid collisions.  

After a Distracted Driving Crash  

Distracted driving accidents don’t usually happen because someone set out to hurt other drivers. They usually happen because the driver didn’t consider the impact of their choice to engage in distractions while driving. It’s easy to think, “That won’t happen to me.” But confidence behind the wheel doesn’t protect you from the consequences of distracted driving – and it only takes once.  

If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver, contact a qualified Texas car accident attorney. With medical bills, missed work, and trying to heal from your injuries, you have enough to worry about.  

A qualified car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options, protect your rights, and fight for the full value you deserve. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so you can get answers to your questions before deciding what to do next.