Every April, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that a split second of inattention behind the wheel can have devastating consequences. According to the CDC, each day in the U.S., approximately nine people are killed and over 1,000 are injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
Distracted driving is a growing concern, especially as our vehicles become more connected and our lives more fast-paced. Distraction comes in many forms—whether it’s looking at a navigation system, glancing at a cell phone, or even eating lunch behind the wheel.
No matter how hard fleet managers try, it can be a real challenge to have a texter put their phone away while driving. On average, it takes about the distance of the length of a football field to come to a complete stop when driving while distracted. And that’s assuming the weather is clear and your vehicle is properly maintained.
In today’s digital age, drivers must resist the temptation to multitask and instead embrace the importance of safe driving. That means giving the road your full attention and following state and federal bans on certain behaviors behind the wheel.
Let’s break down the top four distractions facing drivers in 2025—and how your fleet can stay protected.
Texting and cell phone use
The number one culprit in driving crashes related to distraction is still cell phone use. Whether it’s a text message, a social media notification, or even a hands-on call, any of these can take a driver’s eyes off the roadways for dangerously long periods.
And despite widespread bans and the rise of hands-free devices, this form of distraction is still alarmingly common.
Modern smartphones also pull attention through navigation systems, work apps, and chat tools—making the idea of “just drive” harder than ever before. Tools like Do Not Disturb While Driving and driver coaching can help reduce temptation and improve safety.
Eating while driving
Grabbing breakfast from a drive-thru or eating lunch between stops may feel efficient, but it contributes to motor vehicle risk. Food spills, greasy hands, and unwrapping packaging all fall under manual and visual distractions.
This issue is especially prevalent among commercial fleet drivers, who often eat on the go. Simple slips like dropping a sandwich or hot coffee can result in a dangerous lack of focus on the roadways.
Smoking while driving: A real-world risk
Smoking behind the wheel requires lighting, handling, and managing ashes or cigarette butts—all while operating a vehicle. Though it may seem like a routine habit, it’s another form of multitasking that can compromise control and visibility. Vaping can be just as distracting.
A real-world example comes from A-Tec Ambulance, a fleet that adopted GPS Insight technology to enhance safety. When one of their drivers was seen smoking in the vehicle, their dash cam footage provided the proof needed to take corrective action:
“A GPS Insight solution with a dash cam actually showed one of our drivers smoking in the vehicle. We used the footage to coach the individual and reinforce our zero-tolerance policy.”
— David Reese, Fleet Manager, A-Tec Ambulance
This type of insight helps managers enforce safety policies, especially in shared or sensitive environments like ambulances or back seat transportation scenarios.
Fatigue: The silent threat
Driver fatigue remains one of the most underreported but deadly distractions. Whether caused by long hours, poor rest, or repetitive schedules, fatigue impairs reaction time and cognitive focus—posing serious risks for motor vehicle operators.
Fatigue is difficult to detect without technology, but modern fleet solutions offer tools to monitor driver hours, alert for drowsy behavior, and promote health-conscious scheduling.
Fight technology, with technology
It can be a real challenge for fleets to put away an electronic device.
At GPS Insight, we believe safe driving starts with visibility and accountability. That’s why our fleet solutions are trusted by organizations across industries—including gov, utilities, emergency response, and logistics.
With advanced telematics, AI-powered dash cams, like the Driver•i, which offers real-time coaching and behavior reporting, we empower businesses to tackle all types of distractions—from cell phone use to smoking and fatigue. Whether you’re managing a few vehicles or hundreds, we scale to support fleets of all sizes.
We work closely with law enforcement partners and gov organizations to support national safety initiatives and reduce distracted driving on our roads.
Just drive. Let us help you ensure that your drivers do exactly that.
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it’s more important than ever to recognize how modern habits—from social media to snacking—can create dangers on the road. With GPS Insight, your team can avoid the risks of multitasking, reinforce safe habits, and reduce preventable driving crashes.
Ready to improve safety and visibility across your fleet?