Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is held annually every April, is an important reminder that remaining alert behind the wheel may save a life. As advanced car technology, more traffic, and more distractions than ever populate the road, 2025 poses a fresh challenge for Paramus, NJ, and beyond drivers.
Distracted driving accounts for thousands of accidents every year—and the majority are completely avoidable. Whether you are an inexperienced or veteran driver, realizing how vital distraction-free driving is to your safety and that of other road users is the best way to safeguard against the risks.
Here, we delve into why Distracted Driving Awareness Month is held in April, what types of distractions are involved, the newest statistics, and how to remain alert on the road.
1. Why April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The National Safety Council (NSC) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) commit every April to alerting everyone to the risks of driving while distracted. It is a nationwide campaign to curb accidents, encourage safe driving practices, and inform people of the consequences of being distracted while driving.
Key Statistics (2025):
- Distracted driving accounts for about 3,000 deaths each year in the US.
- 1 in 4 accidents involves a distracted driver.
- Texting while driving makes a driver 23 times more susceptible to facing an accident.
The aim is easy: to teach drivers that distraction equals risk.
2. What Qualifies as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that draws your eyes and mind from the act of driving.
The Three Principal Types of Distractions:
- Visual Distractions: Taking eyes off the road
Examples: reading a text message, viewing GPS - Manual Distractions: Removing your hands from the wheel
Examples: tuning the radio, snacking, grabbing something - Cognitive Distractions: Diverting your mind from driving
Examples: daydreaming, thinking about one’s job, chatting to passengers
New Distractions in 2025:
- Infotainment Systems: Bigger touchscreens and car apps
- Artificial Intelligence Voice Assistants: Multitasking via conversations
- Smart Devices: Smartwatches and notifications for wearable tech
Even hands-free devices, though appearing to be safer, can still split your mind.
3. Distracted Driving is More Dangerous Than Ever
Effect on Reaction Time:
Research indicates that texting slows reaction time more than driving while drunk. Drunk driving reduces reaction time by 12%, yet texting slows reaction time by 35%!
2025’s Rising Distraction Risks:
- Increased use of navigational systems
- Complex interfaces within electric vehicles (EVs)
Social media use while driving (yes, it actually exists)
4. 5 Methods to Stay Concentrated While Driving
✅ 1. Silence or Place Your Phone
Use Do Not Disturb While Driving or keep your phone out of reach.
✅ 2. Plan Your Navigation Before You Depart
Map out your route ahead of time. Employ voice-guided directions.
✅ 3. Refrain from Eating or Drinking
Snacking and driving splits your reaction time and attention.
✅ 4. Voice Commands: Use Safely
If at all possible, use voice commands to reduce hand-related distractions.
✅ 5. Be Present
Stop if you are feeling tired, emotional, or preoccupied. Taking a brief break can clear your mind.
5. Safe Driving Habits Taught by Paramus Driving School
At Paramus Driving School, we do more than just cover the fundamentals. Our classes feature defensive driving modules that deal directly with distracted driving scenarios.
Our Philosophy:
- Simulated distractions of actual life (e.g., chatty passengers’ conversations)
- Strategies for reducing cognitive overload
- Strengthening New Jersey traffic laws concerning cell-phone use and distractions
- Mindfulness techniques to remain calm and concentrated
We think that learning to drive needs to keep up with the times—since distraction challenges are now unlike they were even just half a decade past.