Put away the phone during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

It’s a reflex for most of us to pick up our phones when we hear the familiar dinging sound that lets us know we have a new text to read. 

You might think it’s not that serious to look down at your phone and respond to a text while you’re driving. 

But consider this: In 2024, there were 66 fatalities attributed to distracted driving in Arizona.

That’s significant. And during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, held annually in April, it’s a good time to remind motorists of the danger of distracted driving.  

In 2024, there were 8,537 crashes involving distracted driving on all Arizona roads, according to statewide crash reports compiled by ADOT. Keep in mind that these numbers are likely an undercount because drivers may not tell law enforcement officers they were driving distracted or a distracted driver may have died in a crash. 

All of these crashes and fatalities were preventable. 

Crashes don’t just happen. They’re the result of choices. We need drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel so we can all make it to our destinations. 

I implore all drivers to just put the phone down and drive. Not only does reducing distractions help prevent crashes and fatalities, but also, Arizona’s Hands Free Law makes it illegal to use a stand-alone electronic device while driving, unless the device is in hands-free mode. Drivers can be fined and face criminal penalties. 

No text message or email is worth a life. Keep your phone stored while driving, and let’s help keep each other safe on the road.