When most people hear “distracted driving,” they think of texting but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving. And for new drivers, that split-second shift in focus can be the difference between getting home safely and not getting there at all.

 

Why Distracted Driving Is a Big Deal

Distracted driving crashes aren’t rare, they happen every day. In 2023, 3,275 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers across the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Teen drivers are especially vulnerable: in 2022 alone, 218 teen drivers aged 15–19 were involved in fatal crashes where distraction played a role (NHTSA Crash Stats). Distracted driving crashes are difficult to detect and report so it is likely this statistic is actually significantly higher. 

It’s not just about phones. Distractions include anything from turning to talk to your friends to grabbing a burger while driving. Even a two-second glance away from the road means you’re traveling the length of a football field without looking if you’re going 55 mph which is slower than the speed limit on most Florida highways. 

The Three Types of Distraction

Every kind of distraction falls into one (or more) of these three categories:

• 👀 Visual: Taking your eyes off the road like checking your phone, looking in the mirror, or staring at a billboard.
• ✋ Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel like eating, reaching for something, or adjusting the radio.
• 🧠 Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving like daydreaming, arguing with passengers, or worrying about something stressful.

The most dangerous distractions, like texting, combine all three.

Distractions You Might Not Think About

Here’s the thing: distraction isn’t always obvious. A lot of everyday actions behind the wheel are risky without you realizing it. Common distractions for teen drivers include:

• 📱 Using apps like Snapchat, Instagram, or Spotify
• 🍟 Eating or drinking while driving
• 🗣️ Talking or turning to friends in the car
• 💄 Checking your appearance or fixing your hair
• 🧠 Daydreaming or being emotionally distracted
• 📍 Reaching for something in the back seat or on the floor

Every one of these increases crash risk even if they seem harmless in the moment.

 

Why Teens Are More at Risk

Distraction affects everyone, but teens face extra challenges behind the wheel:

• Less driving experience means your reaction time isn’t as fast when something unexpected happens.
• Tech habits make it tempting to respond to notifications instantly.
• Peer pressure can lead to risky behavior with passengers in the car.
• Overconfidence in multitasking is common but the truth is, even the best drivers can’t focus on two things at once.

Research from the CDC shows that teen drivers are far more likely than older drivers to be involved in distraction-related crashes. That’s why awareness and prevention matters so much at this age.

What You Can Do to Stay Focused

The good news? Most distractions are preventable. A few small habits can massively reduce your risk on the road:

• 📴 Put your phone away before you start driving. Glove box, back seat, anywhere out of reach.
• 🚫 Turn on “Do Not Disturb” or driving mode to block notifications.
• 🎧 Set up your music, map, or podcast before you leave.
• 🧘‍♂️ Check in with yourself. If you’re tired, stressed, or upset, take a moment before getting behind the wheel.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Set expectations with passengers about keeping the driver focused.
• 👀 Model safe behavior. Adults and older siblings, that means you too.

While no amount of safety gear can make distracted driving safe, wearing your safety belt every time you’re in a vehicle ensures you’re protected against someone else’s distracted driving. Buckling up is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce your risk of serious injury or death in a crash, even when the danger comes from another driver’s inattention.

Final Thoughts

Distracted driving isn’t just a “teen problem,”  it’s a safety issue that affects everyone on the road. But by understanding what counts as a distraction and making small changes, you can dramatically lower your risk.

For more tips, resources, and safety tools designed specifically for teen drivers, check out flteensafedriver.org– your go-to source for building safer habits behind the wheel.