Distracted driving remains a significant factor in traffic crashes, according to federal and state data released during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

In 2023, 3,275 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While deaths declined 1% from 2022, injuries rose 12%, increasing from 289,310 to 324,819.

In Connecticut, more than 26,000 crashes involving a distracted driver were reported between 2021 and 2025, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. Those crashes resulted in more than 7,800 injuries and nearly 50 deaths.

NHTSA reports that cellphone use is the most common driver distraction. Reading or sending a text takes about five seconds, which at 55 mph is equivalent to traveling the length of a football field without looking.