The dangers of driving an automobile can be vast, and you can find the details behind why that is by taking a look at texting and driving accident statistics in 2023.

The data provides a broad view from many angles of vehicle accidents happen.

To get an idea of how common they are, there are roughly 390,000 injuries caused by texting while driving incidents.

You’ll find that the numbers only get more shocking from there.

Data needs to be collected so new and existing drivers are aware of the potential dangers.

In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive look at some of the most important accident stats on texting and driving.

Key Statistics

• Driving drunk is 6x less likely to cause an accident than texting while driving
• There are almost 400,000 injuries caused by texting-while-driving accidents
• A report from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that texting while driving causes 1.6 million crashes every year
• Almost 95% of drivers support the ban on texting and driving
• Texting while driving has seen a 400% increase in time spent looking away from the road

Texting and Driving Accident Statistics 2023

An increasing issue that has been a problem for years, texting and driving is something that many people do.

For some, it’s almost habitual, and although it may be common, that doesn’t make it any less dangerous.

For example, one in four car accidents in the U.S. is caused by people who are texting while driving.

The NSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closely monitor these statistics to bring awareness and create a safer space for divers on the road.

Of course, the severity of each accident is bound to vary, but many have encountered some tragic outcomes, which you can learn more about down below.

1. Deaths Caused by Texting and Driving

Data from 2020 shows that over 3,100 people were killed by distracted driving caused by cell phones.

In fact, years of data show this number doesn’t fluctuate too much, as it’s common for the U.S. to record 3,100 to 3,400 distraction-related crashes each year.

From another perspective, it’s recorded that in 2020, 8.1% of all car crash deaths were caused by texting and driving.

This number may not seem very large, but it’s a sizable number that shouldn’t be ignored.

Most of the fatalities caused by distracted driving are in the age group of 15 to 20-year-olds.

This group accounts for 7% of the total deaths, which clearly indicates that it’s a rampant problem among many new drivers. Even if you extend that range a little bit, the numbers don’t get much better.

Individuals aged between 15 and 29 years old saw over 15,000 deaths due to texting and driving.

Back in 2016, 10% of all teen vehicle death fatalities were caused by the distraction of cell phone use.

Overall, 21% of teen drivers involved in fatal accidents were distracted.

There are many laws in place to help prevent such actions, but it has become so common a vast majority of the population does it.

Although deaths on these particular statistics are important to know, they aren’t the only data that matters.

Reviewing statistics across numerous years helps us plan for what needs to be done moving forward.

2. Injuries from Motor Accidents While Distracted

Deaths are a huge concern in general when it comes to motor vehicles, but injuries are far more common.

Each year, accidents caused by texting and driving lead to 390,000 injuries.

This number isn’t so shocking when you consider that over 650,000 people are using their phones while driving at any given moment.

Injury numbers fluctuate, as data from 2020 shows that the year came with 325,000 accidents caused by texting and driving.

2012 and 2013 were particularly bad years as they recorded 421,000 and 424,000 injuries.

Anyone that suffers an injury from a motor vehicle accident can expect their own unique path to recovery.

Some situations are worse than others, but texting while driving needs an extensive amount of work before these numbers start to drop noticeably. 

3. Other Important Stats on Texting and Driving

AAA released a poll that stated 94% of teen drivers understand the dangers that come with texting and driving.

Although this is true, 35% of them admitted to doing it regardless.

Data also highlights that teens are much more likely to get into a car accident when distracted by their phones.

Four times more likely to be exact, and teen drivers with multiple passengers also multiply the likelihood of a distracted wreck.

With each passing year, statistics show us that all of these numbers will fluctuate quite a bit.

Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t seem to be getting that much better.

There’s an addictive nature that comes with cellphone use, and all of the sounds and notifications associated with it can be distracting.

2012 was a big year for data and statistics on distracted texting and driving.

Some of the stats that came out of that year can be pretty shocking, and it gives a good reference as to what’s changed over the years.

Important statistics from 2020 include:

• 3,328 deaths caused by distraction-related crashes
• 11% of drivers involved in fatal accidents caused by distracted driving were under 20 years old
• 25% of teenagers respond to at least one text while driving
• 20% of teenagers admit to having multi-text conversations while driving
• Almost half of all drivers admit to answering their phones while driving
• One in ten drivers surveyed admitted to sending a text or email while driving

As unfortunate as some of these numbers are, it’s still a common issue today.

Considering how normal texting has become in our everyday lives, most people pick up their phones by second nature.

On average, responding to a text takes about five seconds.

When traveling at 55mph, five seconds equates to about the length of a football field.

So, when answering a text, on average, texters take their eyes off the road for roughly the length of an entire football field.

That’s a good way to put in perspective how dangerous texting and driving can really be.

To us, it only lasts a few seconds, but that small amount of time can lead to disaster in an instant.

Taking the Consequences Seriously

Distracted texting and driving is something that affects essentially every age group on the road.

With thousands of people killed every year, groups like the NSC and NHTSA are working on bringing awareness to the issue.

Many people in society play a part in this, as it’s important to teach the dangers of texting and driving to young people.

A lot of it can start with young people themselves, as they can talk with their peers and ensure they’re being as safe as possible.

From social media to talking with friends and family, teens have plenty of influence on the subject matter.

Of course, adults should be involved as well.

Parents bring a lot of leeway on the topic as they’re an influential presence in the lives of children.

A good starting point is for parents to lead by example, as many kids will simply copy what their parents do.

Understanding safe driving starts early, not only when someone gets their first driver’s license.

Aside from friends and family, educators and employers can also be helpful, as this topic requires cooperation as a community.

Educators are another influential presence in many young people’s lives.

It requires consistent efforts and reminders as young people age; to help instill the seriousness and reality of the situation.

There are many different people in your life that are likely to talk to you about texting and driving, but it also comes down to personal choices.

Whether you’re just now getting your license or have been driving for years, minimizing texting and driving is bound to save lives.

From mild to severe injury or even death, texting and driving can lead to some unexpected and rapid consequences.

The Importance of the NHTSA

Without the help and advocacy of groups such as the NHTSA, we wouldn’t be seeing much progress in cases of distracted driving.

On a national level, the NHTSA works hard to spread awareness about distracted driving.

This doesn’t only pertain to texting and driving, as there are many things that can distract us while on the road.

The group also works with states and local law enforcement agencies to create laws that can help minimize texting and driving incidents.

From numerous campaigns and public service announcements, the NHTSA is focused on keeping Americans of all generations safe on the road.

With the help of social media and online ads, the NHTSA’s efforts are becoming more effective with time.

The NHTSA also provides investments on a federal level to help address the specific needs of each state.

Through these consistent efforts, the NHTSA and other groups like them are a powerful force against incidents related to distracted driving.

In Conclusion

Even if you haven’t been in an accident due to distracted driving, it’s only a matter of time if you consistently text and drive.

The road can be an unpredictable place, and distracted incidents are easy to avoid by ignoring cell phone use.

Minimizing these types of accidents will require continuous efforts from society.

In this article, you’ve learned about some of the most important texting and driving accident statistics in 2023 and how the topic is being managed as a whole.

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