Americans admit 10 distracted driving behaviors annually

According to a recent survey, the average American driver admits to engaging in 10 different distracted driving behaviors each year, yet most still believe they are more attentive than the average motorist.

The survey, conducted by Mercury Insurance among 2,500 drivers, reveals a striking gap between perception and reality. While only 8 percent of respondents said they avoided all 27 distracted behaviors listed, a staggering 69 percent of those who admitted to 20 or more distractions still rated themselves as more attentive than the average driver.

The most common distractions are often those that many motorists consider harmless. Drinking beverages while driving topped the list at 79 percent, followed closely by adjusting navigation on phones (69 percent) and reaching for items inside the car (69 percent). Other prevalent behaviors included taking hands-free phone calls (66 percent) and eating while driving (61 percent).

Texting remains a significant concern, with nearly 59 percent of drivers admitting to reading text messages or notifications behind the wheel. Even more surprisingly, 55 percent said they let their minds wander away from the road, while 54 percent admitted to staring at something outside the vehicle instead of focusing on traffic.

The survey also revealed regional differences, with Southern drivers showing higher rates of distracted driving. Alabama ranked highest, with 45 percent of respondents admitting to driving while distracted, followed by Georgia and Massachusetts at 42 percent, and West Virginia and Tennessee close behind at just over 40 percent.

Alabama drivers were particularly likely to make handheld phone calls, with nearly 80 percent admitting to this behavior. Georgia drivers showed the highest rate of adjusting navigation while driving, while Massachusetts had the highest rate of texting behind the wheel.

The broader implication of the survey is clear: Americans recognize the dangers of distracted driving, but many have normalized these behaviors to the point where they no longer feel risky. This confidence may be misplaced, as distraction-related crashes killed 3,275 people and injured another 289,310 nationwide in 2023 alone.