--- title: Preventing accidents from distracted driving description: Learn about the dangers of distracted driving, its consequences, and effective strategies to prevent accidents and enhance road safety. image: https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/Preventing%20accidents%20from%20distracted%20driving%20featured%20image.png --- [![West Bend Insurance](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png?width=233&height=65&name=HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png "West Bend Insurance")](https://www.thesilverlining.com) ![toggle mobile navigation](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1692861603-png/images/nav-toggle.png) [![West Bend Insurance](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1696307430-png/images/logo-west-bend.png)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/) [Find An Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent) [![West Bend Cares Blog](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/West-Bend-Cares-Blog-WhiteBackground.png?width=400&height=80&name=West-Bend-Cares-Blog-WhiteBackground.png)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog) Distracted driving is a major concern on today’s roads, with technology and other factors increasingly pulling drivers’ attention away from the task at hand. Every year, thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths are attributed to drivers not staying focused behind the wheel. The risks associated with distracted driving continue to rise as vehicles are equipped with more advanced features that can divert a driver's concentration. ## Deadly consequences of distracted driving The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cited distracted driving in its [investigation into a deadly traffic accident](https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/HAR1103.pdf) involving a tractor-trailer, a pickup truck, and two school buses. The accident claimed two lives and injured more than 40 people. After more than a year of investigation, the NTSB determined that the crash was caused by a pickup truck driver who had been texting right up until the collision. Phone records revealed **11 text messages sent or received** in the 11 minutes leading up to the accident. Sending even one text message while driving is too many and is illegal in many states, but sending one per minute for over 10 minutes is extremely dangerous, as this tragic event clearly demonstrates. ## What are the types of distractions for drivers? ### Technology distractions Today, cell phones are widely used in vehicles for communication, navigation, and entertainment. While these devices offer convenience, they can significantly distract drivers from the critical task of driving safely. Using a cell phone for calls, texting, or checking notifications while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of accidents. Drivers should never operate a cell phone while driving. If it is necessary to use a cell phone, a passenger should handle it, or the driver should safely pull off the road before using their phone. ### Passenger distractions Organizations transporting passengers, especially children or adults with disabilities, face unique distractions from those individuals. Proper training is essential to manage these situations. When possible, an assistant or chaperone should respond to passenger distractions. Regardless of circumstances, the driver must maintain focus on the road. If passenger distractions become overwhelming, the driver should pull over and address the situation. Every moment a driver is distracted increases the risk of an accident. ## How do we prevent distracted driving? Distracted driving is a widespread problem that leads to thousands of deaths and injuries every year. Controlling driver behavior is challenging, but education about the dangers of distracted driving is crucial. Raising awareness with real-life statistics and stories can help drivers understand the serious risks involved. Ultimately, informed drivers are more likely to make safer choices behind the wheel. An important way to minimize distractions is for organizations employing drivers to establish policies that ban the use of electronic devices when operating company vehicles. The National Safety Council studied nearly 500 companies in 2009 that banned all handheld and hands-free devices during driving; 99% of participants reported no decrease in productivity. This demonstrates that eliminating device use while driving can be accomplished without harming business operations and significantly enhances the safety of drivers and passengers. **Topics:** [Driving](https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog/tag/driving) ### About the Author Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM ![Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/images/Kayla-Eggert-blog-author.jpg) Kayla Eggert began her insurance career at West Bend in 2014 as an underwriting tech, but quickly moved into the Loss Control department as a loss control assistant. There she created content and resources while supporting loss control field representatives. In 2019, she was promoted to loss control representative, and her primary responsibilities included meeting with business owners onsite and... Show More Kayla Eggert began her insurance career at West Bend in 2014 as an underwriting tech, but quickly moved into the Loss Control department as a loss control assistant. There she created content and resources while supporting loss control field representatives. In 2019, she was promoted to loss control representative, and her primary responsibilities included meeting with business owners onsite and providing safety/risk management training and services. Since accepting a new opportunity in Marketing as a marketing services specialist in 2020, she has authored many blogs as a loss control expert. She now heads up content creation, collaborating with team members to educate our policyholders and the public. Kayla graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. During her time with West Bend, she’s earned the Associate Insurance Services (AINS) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading. [View all posts by author.](https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog/author/kayla-eggert) ### Leave a comment ## Related Posts ## **![Ideas Exchange](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/images/light-bulb-ideas-exchange4.svg)** ## **Interested in contributing to the West Bend Cares blog?** Please review our content contributor agreement and submit your ideas to us! 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West Bend’s insurance products are offered through West Bend Insurance Company, West Bend Premier Insurance Company, and West Bend Select Insurance Company. Availability may vary. Not all insurance products are available in all jurisdictions. Not all companies are licensed to operate in all jurisdictions. X Please help us improve your experience by taking this one minute survey. Yes, I'll help We appreciate your feedback [Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy) Feedback [ { "key": "fid#1", "value": ["Driver/driving safety"] }, { "key": "fid#2", "value": ["Auto","Business auto"] }, { "key": "fid#3", "value": ["Article"] } ] ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=24180&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM", "url" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog/author/kayla-eggert" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-01T13:36:14.505Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-01T13:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Preventing accidents from distracted driving", "image" : [ "https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/Preventing%20accidents%20from%20distracted%20driving%20featured%20image.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog/preventing-distracted-driving", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png" }, "name" : "West Bend Insurance Company" } } ```