We’ve all seen it, the driver next to us glancing at their phone instead of the road. But just how distracted are U.S. drivers, and which states are the worst offenders? We conducted a nationwide survey of 1,718 drivers that uncovered where distracted driving is most common, what’s pulling people’s attention away, and how dangerous it’s become.
Key Takeaways
- New Mexico is officially the most distracted state in America and it also leads in fatal accidents involving distracted drivers.
- The most common excuse for using a phone while driving? Needing directions.
- Nearly 90% of drivers admit to at least one distracted behavior.
- Most Americans agree distracted and drunk driving are equally dangerous.
The States With the Most Distracted Drivers
When it comes to multitasking behind the wheel, New Mexico takes the unwanted crown as the most distracted driving state in America, with a distraction score of 76.85 out of 100. It’s followed by Louisiana (53.05), Kansas (48.04), Kentucky (47.23), and New Jersey (38.63) rounding out the top five. On the flip side, drivers in California, Nevada, and Michigan are among the least distracted.
New Mexico again tops the list for fatal crashes involving a distracted driver, with 101.25 accidents per 100,000 residents, followed by Louisiana and Kentucky.
What’s Distracting Us the Most?
When asked why they use their phone while driving, respondents’ answers paint a clear picture: it’s less about social media and more about staying “productive.”
- 76% said they reach for their phone because they need directions.
- 54% said they’re responding to an important call or text.
- 44% admitted they use it while stuck in slow or stopped traffic.
- 43% said they just want to change the song.
And while those may sound like small actions, every second of distraction counts. Only 12% said they never use their phone while driving, meaning nearly 9 in 10 people admit to some form of distracted driving.
Who Are We Calling Out?
It turns out we’re not just guilty ourselves, we’re also policing others. When asked who they’ve called out for using their phone while driving, respondents said:
- 38% said their partner
- 28% said a friend
- 17% said parents
- 14% said a child
- 13% said a sibling
Even 5% have called out a rideshare driver. (Awkward ride home, anyone?)
Texting, Makeup, and More: What Drivers Are Doing
The survey also dug into what states are most guilty of specific distractions behind the wheel:
- Hawaii drivers are the most likely to send or check a text while driving, while Florida drivers are least likely.
- Mississippi tops the list for applying makeup while driving. Hawaii ranks lowest for that one.
- Nevada drivers are the most likely to see others on their phone while driving, while Florida again is least likely.
- Hawaii drivers are also the most likely to get a ticket for distracted driving, while Wisconsin is least likely.
Meanwhile, drivers in states like Nebraska and Washington are more likely to admit scrolling social media or watching videos while driving, a sign that phone-based distractions aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
Which Is More Dangerous: Drunk or Distracted?
When asked which is more dangerous, most respondents didn’t take sides:
- 78% said they’re equally dangerous.
- 19% said drunk driving is worse.
- 3% said distracted driving is worse.
The takeaway? People know the risks, but they’re still reaching for their phones anyway.
What Happens When Drivers Get Distracted
The ripple effects of distraction show up in minor and major ways. Drivers said they’ve most often experienced:
- Fender benders or near misses caused by distraction.
- Missed turns or exits because their focus was elsewhere.
Connecticut drivers were most likely to report being in a fender bender caused by a distracted driver, while Nebraska topped the list for drivers missing turns due to distraction.
The Bottom Line
Distracted driving isn’t just a modern inconvenience, it’s a growing public safety issue that affects nearly everyone on the road. Whether it’s texting, changing a song, or checking a map, the data shows that even small moments of distraction can have deadly consequences.
At CCD Law, our attorneys have seen firsthand how devastating distracted driving accidents can be. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to serious injuries, life-changing consequences, and complex insurance claims.
So the next time your phone buzzes while driving, remember: no notification is worth risking your life or someone else’s.
The Method Behind the Numbers
To identify America’s most distracted drivers, we surveyed 1,718 drivers nationwide, ensuring representation from nearly every state. (Alaska, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming were excluded due to limited responses.)
The Distraction Score was calculated using two components:
- 50% from the number of fatal distracted-driving accidents per 100,000 residents (2019–2023).
- 50% from self-reported driving behaviors — like how often respondents text, scroll, eat, or even apply makeup while driving.
Each activity earned drivers a certain number of “distraction points,” and those averages were combined to reveal each state’s overall risk level.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, CCD Law’s car accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.