Texting and Driving Statistics: Here’s What To Know
Texting and driving statistics show that a driver who engages in this behavior is 23 times more likely to be in a crash. The data shows that this is also more dangerous than drinking and driving and even though 94% of drivers think it is “extremely dangerous,” more than one-third still will text and drive themselves.
What are the texting and driving statistics in Michigan?
Michigan does not provide specific texting and driving statistics, but the data does show that overall auto accidents involving cell phone use and operating a motor vehicle decreased approximately 12% between 2020 and 2024, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts. Fatal cell-phone related crashes neither increased nor decreased over the same time period.
What are the stats nationwide?
Specific stats for the entire U.S. are not available, but NHTSA reports that fatal crashes involving cell phone use decreased approximately 6.5% between 2019 and 2023, and the number of people killed in cell phone-related auto accidents decreased 7.6% during that same time period.
What do the texting and driving statistics show about drivers’ behavior?
In 2024, 37% of drivers reported reading a text or email while driving, yet 94% of drivers perceived texting or emailing while driving as being “extremely or very dangerous,” according to the AAA-Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2024 Traffic Safety Culture Index.
Depending on the driving behavior, between 84% and 97% of drivers agreed that “people important to them would disapprove of distracted driving behaviors.” (AAA-Foundation for Traffic Safety)
What does the texting and driving statistics reveal about drivers’ risk of crashing?
The statistics show that texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in an auto accident than non-texting drivers (according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute) and that this behavior is more dangerous than drinking and driving.
Research has shown that texting takes the average driver’s eyes off the road for approximately 4.6 seconds, which is the equivalent of that driver driving the entire distance of a football field including the end zones – blindfolded. (NHTSA)
Based on the statistics, how many accidents are caused by texting and driving in Michigan and nationally?
In Michigan in 2024, there were 2,106 motor vehicle crashes involving cell phone use while driving – down from 2,394 crashes in 2020. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, 2024 and 2020) Nationally, in 2023, there were 369 fatal car crashes and 21,089 injury crashes involving cell phone use – down 6.5% and up 2.7%, respectively, from 2019. (NHTSA)
No data and statistics are available about accidents caused specifically by cell phone use for texting while driving as compared to crashes by other forms of cell phone use while operating a vehicle.
Does texting and driving cause more accidents?
According to the texting and driving statistics provided, there is no specific data on whether this driving behavior – as compared to a driver’s cell phone use in general – causes more accidents.
However, we do know that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash and that this driving behavior is more dangerous than drinking and driving.
How many fatal accidents are caused by texting and driving?
According to the texting and driving statistics, there is no data available about how many fatal accidents are specifically texting-related. Nationally, in 2023, there were 369 fatal car crashes involving cell phone use – down 6.5% from 2019. (NHTSA)
In Michigan, in 2024, there were 15 fatal crashes involving cell phone use – the same as in 2020. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts)
How does Michigan law try to eliminate this type of cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle?
In 2023, Michigan passed its texting and driving law which prohibits all drivers from using a hand-held cell phone or mobile electronic device to send, receive or read a text message while driving on Michigan roadways. (MCL 257.602b(1), (2) and (13))
The law also prohibits drivers from using a hand-held cell phone or mobile electronic device to talk on the phone, watch videos and/or go on social media. (MCL 257.602b(1), (2) and (13))
What are other states doing to prevent this type of cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle?
Except for Missouri and Montana, the other 49 states along with D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have laws banning drivers from this type of cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle. (Governors Highway Safety Association) 43 of those states and territories have primary enforcement of their texting bans.
Injured in an accident caused by a texting driver? Call the auto attorneys at Michigan Auto Law
Texting and driving car accidents are unfortunately common. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a texting driver in Michigan, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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