The Deadly Toll of Distracted Driving in Delaware
Despite Delaware’s cell phone laws, distracted driving continues to claim lives. The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration paints a sobering picture of how technology misuse behind the wheel is still leading to tragedy.
“According to NHTSA distracted driving data for 2022 yielded these statistics:
• Eight percent of fatal crashes, 12 percent of injury crashes, and 11 percent of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes were reported as “affected by distracted driving.”
• There were more than 3,300 people killed and nearly 290,000 (estimated) people injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
• In 368 fatal traffic crashes – 12% of all distraction-affected fatal traffic crashes – at least one of the involved drivers was using a cell phone at the time of the crash. A total of 402 people died in these crashes.
• At least 621 pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and others who were not inside a vehicle were killed in distracted driving crashes.
• The largest number of distracted drivers in fatal crashes in 2022 were in the 25-34 age group.”
Source: FCC -The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s deadly. Delaware drivers must take responsibility by:
• Putting phones away while driving
• Staying focused on the road
• Watching for pedestrians and cyclists
• Encouraging others to drive distraction-free
At Delaware Defensive Driving, we believe awareness is the first step toward prevention. By staying focused and informed, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re protecting everyone who shares the road with you.
Let’s make Delaware’s roads safer, one mindful mile at a time.
