Distracted Driving – Arnold Air Force Base

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. — This month, we are focusing on the dangers of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, and it continues to be a major cause of accidents, injuries and fatalities. In the U.S. in 2023, there were 3,275 fatal crashes involving distracted drivers, and an estimated 324,819 people were injured in such incidents.

The Three Types of Distractions

There are three main types of distractions that can endanger drivers, passengers and pedestrians:

• Visual Distractions: These are anything that takes your eyes off the road, such as looking at a GPS, checking on passengers or rubbernecking at an accident.
• Manual Distractions: These occur when you take your hands off the steering wheel to do things like eat, drink or adjust the radio.
• Cognitive Distractions: This type of distraction takes your mind off the task of driving. This can include being lost in thought, feeling drowsy or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Impact of Distracted Driving

The consequences of distracted driving can be severe, affecting people of all ages.

As you can see above, thousands of people are killed, and hundreds of thousands are injured each year in crashes involving distracted drivers.

Young drivers are particularly at risk, with drivers aged 15-20 having the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.

Taking Action to Prevent Distracted Driving

Here are several ways you can help reduce distracted driving:

• Put your phone away: The simplest solution is to put your phone on silent and out of reach.
• Prepare before you drive: Set your GPS, music and climate controls before you put your car in drive.
• Avoid multitasking: Don’t eat, drink or groom yourself while driving.
• Speak up: If you’re a passenger and the driver is distracted, offer to help or ask them to focus on the road.
• Phones: Many phones have a “Do Not Disturb” feature that can be activated while driving, and there are apps that can block calls and texts. If you must use your phone, pull over and park to send texts or make calls.
• Parents: Talk to your new drivers before they hit the road about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

By working together and following these simple steps, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

Sources:

• https://www.muhealth.org/our-stories/tips-prevent-distracted-driving
• https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/staying-safe/distracted-driving
• https://www.moneygeek.com/resources/distracted-driving-statistics/
• https://www.cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/index.html
• https://www.iii.org/article/background-on-distracted-driving
• https://www.rpvca.gov/1440/Distracted-Driving

• Published April 20, 2026
• By Katlyn Taylor
• AEDC Safety