85% of americans believe distracted driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
April has been designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a road safety issue that continues to claim thousands of lives each year. As part of this campaign, Verra Mobility, a provider of smart mobility technology solutions, has released the results of a national survey on the behavior of American drivers.
The survey, conducted with 2,000 adults who drive several times a week, revealed that 85% believe distracted driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, participants reported frequently witnessing risky behaviors on the road, such as:
- Speeding – 89%
- Running red lights – 67%
- Other drivers using their phones while driving – 65%
- Speeding in school zones – 60%

Drivers Don’t Recognize Their Own Dangerous Behavior
Despite these high numbers, many of the drivers surveyed do not recognize these behaviors in themselves. For example, 65% claimed they “never” drove distracted in the past year, and 74% said they did not use their phones while driving during that same period. Additionally, 49% said they obey speed limits, while 45% admitted to slightly exceeding them (by 5 to 10 miles per hour).
These figures contrast with other research, such as that from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which indicates that 87% of drivers engage in unsafe behaviors. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 3,000 deaths and more than 400,000 injuries related to distracted driving in 2024 alone. According to the National Safety Council, distracted driving takes the lives of nine people every day in the U.S.
“The main takeaway from this survey is that Americans acknowledge the dangers of distracted driving, but don’t always apply that awareness to themselves,” said Jon Baldwin, Executive Vice President of Government Solutions at Verra Mobility. “Being aware of our own actions is key to improving road safety.”

What Solutions Are Supported?
63% of Americans believe the average driver has gotten worse in recent years, and 78% think drivers in their own state are reckless. As for solutions, 59% of respondents support the use of technology to enforce traffic laws, such as automated enforcement systems. Support is even higher in contexts involving children: 77% back these technologies in school zones, and 96% support their use on school buses.
Distracted driving is a shared responsibility, and recognizing its seriousness—not only in others, but also in ourselves—is the first step toward making streets and highways safer for everyone.

Why Soccer is Conquering Hearts and Businesses in the U.S.
Messi’s presence in stadiums and the hosting of the next World Cup, along with other global tournaments, have transformed it into a new entertainment giant. The gradual growth of the National Team motivates the public. Million-dollar businesses, brands, and a lot of passion.

The Asphalt Code of Honor: The Invisible Social Network That Saves Lives
On U.S. highways, truck drivers often communicate through a silent language of signals, headlights, and hand gestures. This informal system of road communication helps warn others about hazards, coordinate safe passing, and reinforce a culture of safety and solidarity among professional drivers

What if the Oscars were about trucking? Hollywood characters reimagined as truckers
This week marks the 98th Academy Awards, what if the categories were inspired by the transportation industry?

TCA Professional Drivers of the Year 2026: 5 drivers who paved the road
TCA Professional Drivers of the Year selects drivers with the greatest impact, outstanding safety records, and individuals with inspiring stories that made a difference.

Unusual Stories from the Road: When Reality Outruns Logistics
From a giant magnet moving down the highway like a spacecraft to millions of bees taking over a highway, the world of freight transportation is full of events that are as strange as they are real. Some of these stories went viral, others became legends among drivers, but all of them reveal the unexpected side of logistics.

The safest, most reliable and crash-resistant cars for protecting you on the road
Based on ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS evaluation system, this list shows some of the safest and most crash-resistant cars.
