April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a month dedicated to reducing fatalities caused by behaviors like texting and eating while driving. Law enforcement will increase “Put the Phone Away or Pay” patrols, with high-visibility enforcement from April 6–13, 2026. Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads with cell phone use – including texting, talking, and social media browsing – being the most common distraction. In 2024, thousands were hit by a distracted driver, killing over 3,200 people and accounting for eight percent of all fatal crashes.
What To Do If You Are Hit by a Distracted Driver
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a distracted driver, your safety comes first.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
- If you are able, move to a safe location and document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses.
- Provide information to the responding officer, but avoid discussing fault.
- Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault.
- Notify your insurance company promptly.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Follow all treatment protocols from your doctor(s) and retain all medical records.
- Avoid sharing anything about the accident or posting pictures or videos of you doing physical activities on social media.
Finally, speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Personal injury attorneys will calculate the full value of your claim, help you preserve critical evidence, and deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Risk Factors for Distracted Driving
Texting and driving leads to hundreds of fatal car accidents every year. The reality is that most of us are addicted to our phones and have become accustomed to instant communication. It’s not surprising then, that 80 percent of drivers admit to using their cell phones while driving.
The most common behaviors/risk factors involved in distracted driving accidents are:
- Cell phone use
- Teenage drivers with passengers
- Rowdy kids or pets
- Activities such as eating & applying makeup
- Changing music channels
- Adjusting GPS
Avoid Distracted Driving
There are several behaviors drivers can avoid to prevent distracted driving. Making this commitment not only reduces the risk of causing a distracted driving crash, but also helps drivers stay alert to better avoid others who may be driving while distracted.
- If you need to send a text, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
- Designate your passenger as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not scroll through apps while driving.
- Avoid eating and driving.
- If you’re struggling not to text and drive, put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination or set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” or driving mode before you start the car.
- Program your route, music, and settings before you begin driving so you’re not tempted to adjust them on the road.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
