By Kila Baldwin, Anapol Weiss
Distracted driving is a silent epidemic on America’s roads, claiming lives and causing preventable tragedies every day. As an attorney at Anapol Weiss, I’ve witnessed the aftermath of accidents caused by distracted driving and the devastating toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, many continue to underestimate the true risks of taking their eyes off the road—even for a moment. It’s time for all of us to take responsibility and commit to ending distracted driving for good.
The Scope of the Problem
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2021, over 3,500 lives were lost due to distracted driving. However, this statistic is widely believed to be a significant undercount. Fatalities due to distraction are vastly underreported in the U.S., as crash report forms vary across jurisdictions, and there is often no direct evidence linking distraction to a crash. Unlike impaired driving, there is no blood test for distraction, and without witnesses or driver admission, distraction is frequently left off official reports.
In February 2023, NHTSA released a study, *The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019*, which estimated that instead of the commonly cited 10 percent of fatal crashes being caused by distraction, a more accurate figure is likely around 29 percent. That would mean more than 10,000 lives lost each year due to distracted driving. This staggering reality underscores the urgent need for stronger action.
The Legal and Moral Responsibility
At Anapol Weiss, we’ve worked with victims of distracted driving accidents and their families, advocating for justice and accountability. While legal remedies can provide some measure of relief, they cannot undo the loss of a loved one or erase life-changing injuries.
In response to this crisis, Pennsylvania has joined many other states in passing a hands-free law. Taking effect in 2025, this law prohibits the use of handheld interactive mobile devices while a vehicle is in motion. Pennsylvania’s statute explicitly allows hands-free use of communication devices that are integrated into the vehicle or used with hands-free accessories. Laws like this are an important step forward, but they must be coupled with widespread public education and strict enforcement to truly reduce distracted driving.
Solutions Start with Awareness
Organizations like End Distracted Driving (EndDD.org) are leading the charge in raising awareness and providing practical tools to combat distracted driving. Founded after the tragic loss of Casey Feldman, EndDD.org has empowered thousands through its educational initiatives and presentations, bringing the reality of distracted driving to the forefront.
What sets EndDD.org apart is its focus on positive, proactive messages. Instead of solely highlighting the dangers, they emphasize how small, everyday choices can save lives.
Steps We Can All Take
While policy changes and technological innovations play a role in reducing distracted driving, each of us has the power to make a difference:
**Model Safe Behavior**: Whether you’re a parent, friend, or colleague, your actions set an example for others. Commit to putting your phone away and focusing entirely on the road.
**Speak Up**: If you’re a passenger and notice the driver engaging in distractions, don’t hesitate to say something. It might feel uncomfortable in the moment, but it could save lives.
**Educate Others**: Share resources from organizations like EndDD.org to spread awareness and inspire action in your community.
**Leverage Technology**: One of the simplest and most effective ways to eliminate phone distractions is by enabling the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” (DNDWD) setting on your phone. The U.S. National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC) promotes a “Do Not Disturb While Driving Day” to encourage drivers to use phone settings that block notifications while driving. NDDC offers instructional resources for families and businesses, making it easy for everyone to implement this life-saving feature.
A Collective Commitment
Distracted driving is preventable. Every time we get behind the wheel, we have a choice: to stay present and focused or to let distractions endanger lives. As we approach the holidays—a season of joy and togetherness—let’s honor those lost to distracted driving by committing to safer roads for all.
Together, through awareness, education, and action, we can create a culture where distracted driving is no longer acceptable. It starts with each of us.
