In the age of constant connectivity, it’s easy to believe that we can multitask anywhere – even while driving. But that false sense of control has dangerous consequences. According to recent data from LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, distracted driving violations continue to escalate, a worrying trend that continues to grow more dangerous each year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 14% of all traffic-related fatalities last year were a result of distracted driving. In addition to fatalities, distracted driving is responsible for thousands of injuries each year. The Defensive Driving Institute reports that 400,000 accidents in 2024 were caused by distractions, with mobile phone usage being a primary contributor.
New data from LexisNexis Risk Solutions reports that distracted driving violations grew 48% in the first six months from 2023 to 2024. When indexed to 2022, the last two years saw a 67% increase in violations by Q3 2024. These percentages far eclipse the slight increase in miles driven, which rose 1% in in 2024 compared to 2019 as more people returned to the office and to the roads.
Distracted Driving Violation Trends 2020-2024
Generational Trends
The largest age groups responsible for distracted driving violations are Gen Z and Millennials (16-45 years old), which account for 72% of all violations. Males (age 16-45) generate approximately 59% of these infractions.
Demographic Trends
While distracted driving is a concern in every state, New Jersey leads the pack with the highest number of distracted driving-related violations. Washington state has the second highest number of violations with a three-way tie for third between Ohio, Minnesota and Virginia.
In addition to its profound impact on road safety, distracted driving has shaped several other industry reactions and proposed strategies, namely the personal auto insurance sector.
Impact to the Auto Insurance Industry
This rise in distracted driving comes at a time when insurance companies are also seeing a rising total loss rate, which is impacted in part by unsafe driving practices. Additional data from LexisNexis Risk Solutions found that the share of vehicles deemed totaled in collisions hit an all-time high of 27% in 2023, compared to 19% in 2018.
Riskier driving has led to more crashes, severe injuries, and costly claims, driving up insurers’ loss ratios. To offset rising claims costs, insurers are increasing premiums for all drivers, even those with clean records, while also tightening underwriting criteria. Drivers with past incidents, such as distracted driving citations, may face higher premiums or limited coverage options as a result.
As insurers navigate the potential implications these trends can have on premiums and claims, they can potentially turn to various strategies to mitigate losses, including, but not limited to, telematics discounts for safe drivers, targeted driver education programs and dynamic pricing models that reduce blanket rate hikes.
While distracted driving gets a spotlight every April, insurers and data providers can help make the roads safer for consumers by encouraging and rewarding safe driving behavior all year long.
