Study Finds Distracted Drivers Are 240% More Likely to Crash

Despite Hands-Free Laws, Distraction Remains One of California’s Top Causes of Serious Accidents

Distracted drivers using their phones are 240 percent more likely to cause a car accident, according to a recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which urged public officials to do more to prevent distracted driving accidents.

"This is an action plan to prevent crashes – not just respond to them," GHSA’s Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins said. "We have the tools to save thousands of lives. What we need now is action."

So, what makes talking on the phone while driving so dangerous? What can be done to prevent distracted driving accidents? How bad are distracted driving accidents in California? And what laws apply to California distracted driving accidents? Here are the details you should know.

What makes talking on the phone while driving so dangerous?

Talking or texting while driving is extremely dangerous because it divides a driver’s attention between the road and their screen. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to missed traffic signals, delayed reaction times, and devastating rear-end or intersection crashes. In short, the human brain can’t focus on two demanding tasks, such as driving and texting, at the same time.

Some of the most common risks of phone use while driving include:

• Delayed reaction time – Drivers using phones often fail to brake or swerve in time to avoid a collision.
• Tunnel vision – Attention narrows to the phone screen instead of mirrors, signals, and surrounding vehicles.
• Inconsistent speed – Distracted drivers may slow unexpectedly or drift between lanes.
• Missed cues – Looking down for even three seconds at 55 mph means traveling the length of a football field without looking at the road.
• Cognitive overload – Processing messages or calls while driving reduces the ability to respond to hazards.

Every second matters behind the wheel. Studies repeatedly show that phone use – handheld or hands-free – significantly increases crash risk. In many cases, distracted driving injuries are as severe as those caused by drunk driving, because both impair focus and reaction time.

What can be done to prevent distracted driving crashes?

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), reducing distracted driving requires coordinated action from lawmakers, employers, automakers, and drivers themselves. Education, enforcement, and technology can all play critical roles in reducing distracted driving crashes.

Some key recommendations from the GHSA include:

• Stronger enforcement of phone bans – Visible enforcement deters risky behavior and reinforces awareness.
• Public education campaigns – Programs reminding drivers that no text or call is worth a life can shift social norms.
• Employer safety policies – Businesses with fleets should implement “no phone use” rules for company drivers.
• Vehicle technology solutions – Features that block notifications or track distraction can prevent accidents.
• Community involvement – Parents, schools, and local groups can promote safe driving habits from an early age.

"We have information that can help save lives now," said Ryan McMahon, SVP of Strategy for Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), which co-authored the recent distracted driving study with the GHSA.

Preventing distraction behind the wheel comes down to one principle: focus. When drivers commit to keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, they drastically lower the risk of a serious crash.

How common are distracted driving accidents in California?

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in California. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that thousands of collisions each year involve drivers using cell phones or other devices while driving. Despite hands-free laws and public awareness campaigns, phone-related crashes continue to rise in many urban areas.

Freeway congestion, long commutes, and everyday reliance on phones make California roads particularly vulnerable to distraction. Drivers who glance at a text or take a quick call can easily cause multi-vehicle chain-reaction crashes on high-traffic routes like I-80, I-280, or Highway 24.

In addition to physical injuries, distracted driving crashes can leave victims facing steep medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. When another driver’s inattention causes harm, California law allows injured victims to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

What are California’s distracted driving laws?

California has some of the strongest distracted driving laws in the nation. Under California Vehicle Code §23123, it is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. Drivers may use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or voice commands, but only if it requires no physical interaction with the device.

For drivers under 18, the law is even stricter. California Vehicle Code §23124 prohibits both handheld and hands-free phone use. This includes texting, calling, and even navigation apps. Commercial drivers and school bus operators are also barred from using phones except in emergencies.

Violations can result in fines and points on your driving record. More importantly, phone use during a crash can be powerful evidence of negligence in a civil case. A distracted driver who breaks these laws can be held liable (legally responsible) for the injuries and losses they cause.

How can a distracted driving accident lawyer help me?

After a serious car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and calls from insurance companies pressuring you to settle. A skilled attorney can handle these legal challenges so you can focus on recovery.

Specifically, a California distracted driving lawyer can:

• Investigate quickly to secure phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements.
• Work with experts in accident reconstruction and human factors to show distraction was the cause.
• Handle all insurance communication so you don’t say anything that could weaken your claim.
• Calculate full damages (legal term for financial losses), including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiate or litigate to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under California law.

At Clancy & Diaz, LLP, we understand how devastating distracted driving crashes can be for injury victims. Our distracted driving accident attorneys know what evidence matters most and how to build strong cases that hold careless East Bay drivers accountable.

Our results prove this, including $2,617,566 in one case involving a serious car accident.

Learn more about your legal options if you’ve been injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver. Contact us and schedule your free consultation with a distracted driving accident lawyer focused on winning your case.

“By far the best attorney! Helped me tremendously with my personal injury matter. Very attentive and good at what he does.” – D.A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐