Distracted driving is one of the biggest threats on Canadian roads today. It happens when a driver’s attention is pulled away from the task of driving—whether it’s by texting, eating, adjusting the GPS, or even talking to passengers.
What might seem like a harmless glance at a phone can have life-changing consequences in a matter of seconds.
According to Transport Canada, distracted driving is a factor in nearly 1 in 4 fatal crashes nationwide. In fact, drivers who use their phone while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a collision.
These stats on distracted driving are not just numbers—they represent real lives lost, families impacted, and communities affected.
Despite growing awareness, the problem isn’t going away. The rise of in-car technology, mobile apps, and constant digital connectivity means more distractions are competing for a driver’s focus than ever before.
Young drivers are especially at risk, with surveys showing that many still admit to texting or checking notifications while behind the wheel.
This post highlights 10 powerful statistics that show just how serious distracted driving has become in Canada. From fatality rates to age group trends, the numbers reveal the urgent need for stronger awareness, better habits, and safer choices.
If you or someone you know drives regularly, this information is worth your attention. After all, staying focused could save a life—including your own.
Eye-Opening Stats on Distracted Driving You Can’t Ignore
Distracted driving is more than just an occasional glance at your phone. It’s a serious, ongoing safety issue that continues to claim lives on Canadian and global roads every day.
While we often think of it as a modern problem tied to smartphones, distraction comes in many forms—eating, reaching for something, adjusting the radio, or daydreaming.
The stats on distracted driving reveal just how far-reaching and deadly this behaviour has become.
Each year, government agencies and safety organizations publish research that paints a sobering picture: even a few seconds of inattention can be the difference between a safe trip and a fatal crash.
These numbers aren't just data points—they represent families forever changed, emergency responders overwhelmed, and communities burdened with preventable tragedies.
Below, we’ll explore 10 key statistics that show how distraction behind the wheel affects drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. From death tolls to eye-opening comparisons, these stats aim to make one thing clear: distracted driving is never worth the risk.
3,308 Deaths Caused by Distracted Driving in 2022
Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, 2022
In 2022, 3,308 people died in the United States due to distracted driving—a slight increase from the 3,142 deaths recorded in 2020.
While this figure is U.S.-based, it reflects broader trends in Canada, where distraction contributes to 21% of fatal collisions, according to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). That’s more than 1 in 5 road deaths.
This isn’t just a number. Each of those 3,308 lives represents a parent, a friend, a coworker. In many of these cases, the cause was a brief moment of distraction—checking a text, taking a sip of coffee, or simply letting the mind wander.
Year-over-year increases suggest that despite awareness campaigns, too many drivers still underestimate the risk. Vehicles today are safer than ever in terms of design and technology, but none of that matters if the driver isn’t paying attention.
Texting Takes Your Eyes Off the Road for 5 Seconds
Source: CDC – Distracted Driving
Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At highway speed—about 90 km/h (or 55 mph)—that’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field without looking.
But it’s not just your eyes. Texting while driving is dangerous because it involves three types of distraction:
- Visual (you’re not looking at the road),
- Manual (your hands leave the steering wheel),
- Cognitive (your brain isn’t fully focused on driving).
This “triple threat” makes texting one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel. Unlike glancing at your speedometer or rearview mirror, texting doesn’t support your driving—it competes with it. And that’s where tragedy often begins.
1 in 5 Drivers Admit to Driving While Drowsy
Source: AAA Foundation – 2021 Traffic Safety Culture Index
Drowsy driving may not seem like a form of distracted driving at first glance, but fatigue can impair attention just as much as a phone in your hand.
The AAA Foundation found that while 95% of drivers recognize the dangers of driving while drowsy—and 99% say their loved ones would disapprove—19% still admitted to doing it in the past month.
Even more troubling is the perceived lack of consequences. Only 29% of drivers believed they’d be caught by police for driving drowsy, suggesting many feel they can get away with it.
This mindset undermines the seriousness of fatigue-related crashes, which can be just as deadly as those caused by alcohol or phone use.
Fatigue affects reaction time, awareness, and decision-making, making it especially dangerous on long drives or late-night shifts. Canadian studies mirror this trend: the CAA reports that drowsy driving is a factor in about 20% of fatal crashes in Canada annually.
Solutions include:
- In-vehicle fatigue alert systems.
- Stricter enforcement of hours-of-service regulations.
- Public education campaigns that treat drowsy driving like DUI.
Distracted Driving Causes 1 in 10 Fatal Crashes
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
In 2022, distracted driving was a reported factor in 10% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in the U.S., according to the FARS database.
In Canada, the situation is similarly grim: distracted driving contributes to more than 1 in 5 road fatalities, making it a leading cause alongside speeding and impaired driving.
What’s especially troubling is that the real numbers could be even higher. Distraction isn’t always easy to verify after a crash, particularly when drivers are unwilling to admit fault or when devices are locked or destroyed. This means many distraction-related fatalities may be underreported.
Distraction doesn't just kill—it also causes serious injuries, traffic congestion, and psychological trauma. It’s a risk that cuts across all demographics and driving environments, from city intersections to rural highways.
Reducing the toll requires:
- Broader use of in-vehicle tech that limits screen access while driving.
- Stronger penalties and better enforcement.
- Public education campaigns that focus on real-world consequences.
39% of High School Drivers Use Cellphones While Driving
Source: CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving—and the numbers prove it. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 39% of U.S. high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving within the last 30 days.
That’s nearly 4 in 10 teen drivers putting themselves and others at risk every time they hit the road.
This age group is already at higher risk for crashes due to inexperience. Add distraction to the mix, and the danger escalates. Compounding the issue is that teen drivers often underestimate risk or overestimate their multitasking abilities.
This is a pressing concern in Canada too, where motor vehicle collisions are the second leading cause of death for youth aged 15–24 (Transport Canada). Cellphone use while driving is a known contributor.
To deal with this:
- Parents need to model safe driving behaviour—teens are more likely to text and drive if they see their parents doing it.
- Graduated licensing programs should include mandatory distracted driving education.
- Tech solutions, like apps that disable texting while driving, can help reinforce good habits.
Phone Use While Driving Quadruples Crash Risk
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine
Using a cellphone while driving—whether handheld or hands-free—makes drivers about four times more likely to crash.
This widely cited study from The New England Journal of Medicine challenges the idea that hands-free devices are safer.
The problem isn't just the physical distraction, like holding the phone—it's the mental load. Talking or texting diverts cognitive focus from the road, delaying reaction times and impairing judgment.
This finding is especially important for Canadian drivers, as distracted driving fines and penalties have increased significantly in recent years, yet phone use remains common.
The takeaway? Keeping your hands on the wheel isn’t enough—your mind must stay on the road, too.
Distracted Driving Caused Over 289,000 Injuries in 2022
Source: NHTSA – 2022 Traffic Deaths and Injury Estimates
In 2022, distracted driving led to 289,310 injuries and over 3,300 deaths in the United States.
The majority of these incidents weren’t just from texting—they involved a range of distractions, including eating, talking to passengers, and interacting with dashboard systems.
The scale of injuries speaks to how widespread and dangerous distracted driving has become. For Canadians, where similar patterns have been observed, this underscores the need for stronger awareness campaigns and consistent enforcement.
Injuries often go underreported, especially in non-fatal cases, but each one represents trauma, healthcare costs, and lost productivity.
Eating While Driving Increases Crash Risk by 1.8 Times
Source: Winters & Yonker, P.A.
Eating might seem harmless, but drivers who eat behind the wheel are nearly twice as likely to be involved in a crash. Unlike phone use, eating is a physical and sometimes visual distraction that diverts both hands and eyes.
Whether it's balancing a coffee cup or unwrapping a sandwich, these actions pull focus from the road at critical moments.
In Canada, distracted driving laws focus mainly on electronics, but non-tech distractions like food also pose real risks. Drivers need to recognize that multitasking of any kind increases crash potential.
69 Million U.S. Drivers Use Phones While Driving Daily
Source: Zendrive
Zendrive’s massive analysis found that about 60% of U.S. drivers—roughly 69 million people—use their phones daily while driving. This staggering figure highlights how habitual this dangerous behavior has become.
Even with legislation and education, the behavior persists. For Canadian roads, the takeaway is clear: awareness isn’t enough—we need behavior change.
More consistent ticketing, tech-based solutions like app blockers, and corporate fleet policies could help reduce this everyday risk.
Risk of Marijuana and Prescription Drug Impairment
Source: AAA Foundation – 2021 Traffic Safety Culture Index
While drunk driving is widely recognized as dangerous, only 65% of drivers view marijuana impairment with equal concern.
Even more concerning, just 43% of people believe they'd get caught driving under the influence of prescription medication.
As cannabis use increases in Canada, the normalization of driving shortly after consumption is a growing issue.
Many assume marijuana doesn’t impair judgment or reaction time the same way alcohol does, but research shows it affects coordination and decision-making. The same goes for sedating prescriptions like opioids or anxiety medications.
Drivers need to treat drug impairment—legal or not—with the same seriousness as alcohol-related risks.
Why These Stats Matter!
Distracted driving isn’t just a matter of statistics—it’s a growing public safety crisis with real human costs. Behind every number is a story: a family impacted by loss, a worker sidelined by injury, or a teen driver whose life was forever changed in seconds.
The toll includes not only fatalities and serious injuries but also long-term emotional trauma and skyrocketing financial costs.
For instance, insurance premiums often spike after a distracted driving conviction, and the economic burden from collisions includes healthcare bills, lost wages, and legal fees.
In Canada, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of road crashes. As mobile technology, in-car entertainment, and multitasking habits have increased, so too has the risk. That’s why these stats are more than eye-opening—they’re a call to action.
Public awareness campaigns like Leave the Phone Alone have made strides in educating drivers, but more is needed.
Technology solutions—such as Do Not Disturb driving modes, app blockers, or in-vehicle lockout features—can reduce temptation. Education programs in schools and community groups also play a role in shaping safer habits, especially among younger drivers.
Policymakers and law enforcement are paying closer attention, introducing stricter penalties and roadside monitoring efforts. But lasting change will depend on a cultural shift—one where driving undistracted is seen as a shared responsibility, not just a personal choice.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving remains a major cause of road crashes, but it’s also one of the most preventable.
Reducing it requires a mix of personal responsibility, technology, and policy. Here are a few practical steps that can help keep drivers focused and roads safer:
1. Implement Distracted Driving Training Programs
Driver safety education is a key line of defence. Formal Defensive Driving Safety Training programs teach participants to recognize the signs of distraction, understand the risks, and develop safer habits.
These courses are especially valuable for workplaces with vehicle fleets and families with new drivers. Here are the main topics covered in defensive driving training program offered by Canada Safety Training Centre:
2. Use Do Not Disturb or Drive Mode on Phones
Most modern smartphones have features that silence notifications, calls, and messages while driving. Activating “Do Not Disturb While Driving” or similar settings helps remove the temptation to check your phone when it matters most.
3. Designate a “Co-Pilot” in the Car
Assigning a passenger to handle GPS, music, or messaging lets the driver focus solely on the road. This simple teamwork approach is especially helpful on longer trips or in unfamiliar areas.
4. Enforce Stricter Penalties and Monitoring Tools
Laws prohibiting texting while driving exist, but enforcement and deterrence vary. Stricter penalties and the use of telematics apps (especially for teen drivers) can improve accountability by tracking phone use, speeding, and harsh braking.
Conclusion
Distracted driving is a serious but preventable risk—and we all have a role in ending it. The stats on distracted driving are not just numbers; they reflect lives disrupted, families changed, and futures cut short.
By choosing to stay focused behind the wheel, we can help reduce crashes, save lives, and create safer roads for everyone.
Whether you're a parent, a business owner, or a commuter, your actions matter. Support better laws, take part in driver training, and make safer choices each time you start the engine.
If you’ve taken steps to reduce distractions—like using phone blockers or setting vehicle rules for your teens—consider sharing your story. Together, we can shift the culture around distracted driving from acceptance to prevention.