National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April 1 - April 30
About National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is observed every April in the United States, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign highlights the dangers of distracted driving, particularly mobile phone use behind the wheel, and urges all road users to stay focused while driving.
What is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an annual April campaign run by the NHTSA in partnership with law enforcement agencies, safety organisations, and state governments across the United States. Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, including texting, eating, adjusting a GPS, or talking to passengers. The campaign focuses particularly on mobile phone use, which is the most common and dangerous form of distraction. During April, the NHTSA runs the “Put the Phone Away or Pay” enforcement campaign, pairing public education with increased law enforcement activity.
When is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month takes place throughout April each year. In 2026, it runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April. The NHTSA typically runs its intensified enforcement period during a portion of the month, with high-visibility patrols and checkpoints.
Why National Distracted Driving Awareness Month Matters
The statistics surrounding distracted driving are sobering. In 2024, distracted driving killed 3,208 people in the United States, and an estimated 315,167 people sustained injuries in distraction-related traffic incidents. However, the National Distracted Driving Coalition estimates the problem is grossly under-reported, with distracted driving likely contributing to between 25% and 30% of all fatal crashes, translating to an estimated 11,500 to 13,800 deaths every year.
Young drivers are disproportionately affected. According to AAA, 58% of teen crashes involve some form of distraction. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction: visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), and cognitive (mind off the task). Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, which at 55 mph means travelling the length of a football field blindfolded. These are not abstract numbers; they represent families torn apart by preventable incidents on roads that should be safe for everyone.
How to Get Involved in National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Everyone who uses the road can contribute to reducing distracted driving:
- Put your phone away before driving – Place your phone in a bag, glovebox, or boot before starting the engine. If you must use navigation, set your destination before you begin driving and use a hands-free mount.
- Take the pledge – The NHTSA and the National Safety Council both offer pledges you can sign committing to distraction-free driving. Sharing your pledge on social media can inspire others to do the same.
- Talk to your family – Have an honest conversation with young drivers about the risks. Parents can set an example by never using their phones while driving and establishing a family policy on device-free driving.
- Use apps that block notifications – Several smartphone apps can automatically silence notifications or send auto-replies when they detect you are driving. These tools remove the temptation before it arises.
- Speak up as a passenger – If you notice a driver becoming distracted, politely offer to handle the phone, adjust the GPS, or manage whatever is pulling their attention from the road.
- Support hands-free legislation – Contact your local representatives to advocate for stronger distracted driving laws. Many states have adopted hands-free laws, and community support is key to expanding these protections. For those interested in broader road safety awareness, National Road Victim Month in August is another important observance.
- Share the facts – Post distracted driving statistics and safety tips on social media during April. Awareness is the first step toward changing behaviour, and your post could reach someone who needs to hear it.
History of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month was formally entered into the Federal Register on 23 March 2010, following growing concern about the impact of mobile phone use on road safety. The campaign was initiated by the NHTSA as smartphone adoption surged across the United States, creating an entirely new category of driving hazard that existing safety campaigns did not adequately address.
The roots of the campaign trace back to the early 2000s, when researchers began documenting the cognitive impairment caused by mobile phone use while driving. A landmark study by the University of Utah in 2006 found that drivers using mobile phones exhibited reaction times comparable to those with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit in most states. This finding was instrumental in building public support for action.
Since its launch, the campaign has evolved alongside changes in technology and driving behaviour. The NHTSA’s enforcement campaigns have grown from primarily educational efforts into coordinated national operations involving thousands of law enforcement agencies. The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, which pairs advertising with enforcement, has become a signature element of the month. Many states have introduced or strengthened distracted driving laws during April, using the awareness month as a catalyst for legislative action.
Noteworthy Facts About Distracted Driving
- Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, equivalent to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph with eyes closed.
- Approximately 58% of teen car crashes involve distracted driving, according to AAA.
- A University of Utah study found that talking on a mobile phone while driving impairs reaction times as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
- As of 2026, 29 US states and the District of Columbia have enacted hands-free driving laws prohibiting hand-held mobile phone use.
- The NHTSA estimates that at any given moment during daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers in the United States are using mobile phones or electronic devices while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an April campaign led by the NHTSA that raises awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly mobile phone use, and promotes safer driving habits.
When is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in 2026?
It runs throughout April 2026, from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April.
What counts as distracted driving?
Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving. The three main types are visual (taking eyes off the road), manual (taking hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Texting is the most dangerous because it involves all three.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Distracted Driving Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #DistractedDriving and #JustDrive2026 on social media. A single share could save a life.
Related Awareness Days
- National Road Victim Month – Observed in August, this month remembers those killed and injured on the roads and campaigns for safer streets.
- National Traffic Awareness Month – Also in August, this observance promotes broader road safety awareness across the United States.
- Idling Awareness Day – Held on 21 May, this day raises awareness about the environmental and health impacts of vehicle idling.
Links
- Visit the official NHTSA Distracted Driving Awareness Month page
- Visit the National Safety Council’s Distracted Driving page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
