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It only takes a few seconds for a distraction to cause a crash. In 2023, 397 people were killed in crashes involving cellphone use, and more than one in three drivers were using their phones in the minute before they crashed. Over the past few years, deaths due to cellphone use while driving have held steady at around 400 each year.
In this report, FinanceBuzz examines the contribution of texting and driving to traffic fatalities, the variations in patterns across age groups and states, and strategies for prevention. Data are sourced from the NHTSA, IIHS, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, AAA Foundation, and other organizations.
Key texting and driving statistics
- Cellphone use was a factor in nearly 400 traffic deaths in 2023, representing 12% of all distracted driving fatalities nationwide.
- Roughly a third of drivers were using their phones in the minute leading up to the crash.
- California, Texas, and Arizona reported the most cellphone use-related deaths, accounting for more than 30% of all cellphone-use fatalities in the U.S.
- Wyoming, Minnesota, and California had the highest cellphone involvement rates in distracted driving deaths, each with more than 36% fatalities linked to phone use.
- Drivers aged 25 to 34 were involved in the highest share of fatal crashes involving cellphone use (24%), followed by those aged 35 to 44 (20%).
- Small speed increases dramatically increase crash severity. Crashes involving screen interaction occurred at speeds 21% higher than distraction-free crashes.
Texting and driving crashes, by crash severity
Roughly two-thirds of all crashes involving cellphone use result in property damage, while another third lead to injuries for the involved parties. Fatal crashes are relatively rare, occurring at a rate of 1%, which has remained unchanged over the past five years.
How cellphone use while driving impacts crash impact speeds
Small speed increases can raise the risk of death in a crash. An IIHS study found that a 5 mph increase over the posted speed limit is associated with an 8% increase in fatalities on highways and a 3% rise on other roads.
How a driver is using their phone matters. Crashes where the driver was interacting with the screen of their mobile device occurred at speeds 21% higher than distraction-free crashes. Reaching for or handling the device typically increased crash impact speeds by 27%.
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Texting and driving fatalities over time
According to the NHTSA, fatalities involving cellphone use dropped to 397 in 2023, making up 12% of all distracted driving deaths. The only other year in the past five to match this figure was 2020, also at 397. However, there were fewer drivers on the road due to the pandemic.
Additionally, cellphone use-related fatalities made up a higher share of distracted driving deaths in 2020 (13%) than in 2023. The highest volume and rate in the past five years occurred in 2019, with 430 fatalities accounting for 14% of all distracted driving fatalities.
Percentage of fatal crashes involving mobile phones due to texting and driving
| Year | Fatalities | % of all Distracted Driving Accidents |
| 2019 | 430 | 14% |
| 2020 | 397 | 13% |
| 2021 | 423 | 12% |
| 2022 | 406 | 12% |
| 2023 | 397 | 12% |
| Source: NHTSA | ||
Average rate:
Texting and driving by state: Where the problem is the worst
In 2023, a total of 397 people were killed in crashes linked to cellphone use while driving. Among states with at least 10 distracted driving fatalities, California reported the highest number, with 58 cellphone-related deaths. That accounts for 14.6% of all cellphone use fatalities nationwide. Texas followed with 41 deaths, and Arizona with 23. Together, these three states make up more than 30% of all driving deaths while using a cellphone in the U.S.
Several states also reported high proportions of distracted driving deaths involving cellphone use. In Wyoming, 42% of distracted driving deaths involved cellphone use. Minnesota followed with 39%, and California with 37%. Arkansas, Arizona, and Utah each reported that about one-third of their distracted driving deaths were attributed to cellphone use.
Who texts and drives the most?
In 2023, drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 were involved in the highest share of fatal crashes where a cellphone was in use (24%). Drivers aged 35 to 44 made up another 20%. Teens and young adults under 25 were involved in 15% and 13% of cellphone-related fatal crashes, respectively. Drivers aged 65 years and older accounted for 7% of the total.
Texting and driving enforcement
In 47 states, texting while driving is banned and enforced as a primary offense, meaning police officers can stop and ticket a driver solely for texting while driving. The same goes for Washington, D.C.
The exceptions include Montana, which has no texting ban, and Missouri and Nebraska, where texting laws are enforced as secondary offenses. In those states, drivers cannot be pulled over solely for texting, unless another violation has occurred.
Financial and insurance impact of texting and driving
A citation for texting and driving can lead to more than just a ticket. In states where texting is a primary offense, insurers may flag drivers as high-risk, which can result in higher premiums, policy restrictions, or non-renewal of coverage.
Additionally, fines vary by state. For example, Georgia issues a fine up to $50 for the first offense, while Connecticut charges $200. These violations also remain on a driver's record and can lead to long-term increases in insurance rates over time.
What works to prevent texting and driving?
Tech solutions
Smartphone features that put the device into a "do not disturb" mode are one way technology combats distracted driving. A 2025 AAA Foundation study found that these tools cut down phone interactions by 41% among young drivers. Simulator studies also show that third-party blocking apps can restore driving performance to near distraction-free levels.
Education and school programs
Not all education efforts have lasting effects, but those that blend emotional visuals, parent involvement, and peer discussion demonstrate real impact. For instance, parent-involved programs such as Checkpoints and Share the Keys have shown strong evidence of reducing risky driving behaviors in the long term. In contrast, emotionally engaging video content, such as crash simulations and personal stories, has been shown to produce short-term changes in attitudes and risk perception.
National and state campaigns
In April 2025, the NHTSA's Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign combined law enforcement with media outreach to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving. AT&T's earlier It Can Wait campaign, launched in 2010, reached millions with ads and public pledges. Many states also run local initiatives to support texting laws and reduce distracted driving.
How much impact could prevention have?
According to Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a 10% decrease in distracted driving could potentially prevent more than 123,000 incidents. That reduction would also mean 69,000 fewer injuries and save over 500 lives. It could also reduce economic damages by $4.8 billion.
Ask the experts
Do hands-free laws help alleviate traffic accidents?
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Are there other solutions being explored right now?
What are the problems with enforcing distracted driving laws?
FAQs
How many texting and driving deaths in 2023?
In 2023, there were 397 people killed in crashes involving cellphone use while driving, according to the NHTSA. These deaths account for 12% of all distracted driving fatalities nationwide. Cellphone use deaths in 2023 saw a slight decrease from 2022 (406).
What states have the most texting and driving deaths?
California reported the highest number of deaths caused by cellphone use while driving (58), followed by Texas (41) and Arizona (23). Together, these three states account for more than a quarter of all cellphone use while driving deaths in the U.S.
When did texting and driving become illegal?
Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. Since then, nearly all states have a texting ban either as primary or secondary enforcement.
Where is texting and driving illegal?
Texting while driving is banned in 47 states, where it is enforced as a primary offense. Meaning you can be pulled over just for texting while driving. Montana has no texting ban, while Missouri and Nebraska allow texting citations only as a secondary offense.
How does texting while driving affect car insurance?
A texting and driving citation can raise your insurance rates, especially if it happens in a state where it is enforced as a primary offense. Insurers may view it as high-risk behavior, which could result in higher premiums, coverage restrictions, and potential non-renewal of policies.
How can texting and driving be prevented?
Preventing texting while driving will take a combination of solutions. Tech options such as built-in phone settings and third-party blocking apps reduce distractions in the moment, while education programs with parent involvement and emotional content help shift behavior in youth. National campaigns, along with local state campaigns that use media outreach, also play a role in raising awareness.
Sources
- NHTSA, "Distracted Driving in 2023." Accessed June 19, 2025.
- IIHS, "Speed." Accessed July 3, 2025.
- Cambridge Mobile Telematics, "The State of US Road Risk in 2024." Accessed June 30, 2025.
- NCSL, "Distracted Driving | Cellphone Use." Accessed June 19, 2025.
- Justia, "Distracted Driving Laws: 50-State Survey." Accessed July 3, 2025.
- AAA Foundation, "Increasing the Use of Smartphone-Limiting Technology to Combat Distracted Driving." Accessed July 3, 2025.
- Javid, Sadeghvaziri, and Jeihani, "A Driving Simulator Study to Understand the Impact of Cell Phone Blocking Apps on Distraction." Accessed July 2, 2025.
- Tusti, Dutta, Javed, and Das, "Driving Education Advancements of Novice Drivers: A Systematic Literature Review." Accessed July 2, 2025.
- NHTSA, "NHTSA Launches Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign." Accessed July 3, 2025.
- AT&T, "It Can Wait." Accessed July 3, 2025.
- Governor's Highway Safety Administration, "Distracted Driving." Accessed July 3, 2025.
Average rate:
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