Focused Driving Overview
90% of Washington drivers avoid distractions while driving. But until we get to 100%, our roads aren’t as safe as they could be.
The number one thing you can do to help:
Put your phone away while driving. And help others do the same.
Focused Driving Key Messages
Driving distracted is not just risky—it’s deadly. When combined with other dangerous behaviors like speeding, not wearing a seat belt, or driving impaired, the results can be catastrophic. We must take action—together.
THE DATA TELLS A CLEAR STORY
- 136 people lost their lives and 396 were seriously injured in crashes involving distracted driving in Washington in 2023 alone.
- Since the 2017 passage of RCW 46.61.672, preliminary data from the WTSC indicates that 135 fatalities involved a distracted driver in 2023, marking a 36% increase from the previous year and reversing the downward trend that began in 2018.
- Nearly 1 in 4 fatal crashes involving distraction also involved speeding, a deadly pairing that reduces reaction time, increases the distance needed to safely stop, and increases crash severity.
- 28% of people killed in distraction-involved crashes were not wearing seat belts. Seat belts save lives, but only if used.
- Over 50% of fatal and serious injury distraction-related crashes also involved alcohol or drugs, amplifying the dangers of divided attention.
- Drivers engaging in multiple risky behaviors—distraction, speed, no seat belt, and impairment—are 3.5 times more likely to kill a pedestrian or cyclist.
(Source: WTSC Behavioral Risk Factor Dashboards, 2023)
CALL TO ACTION
Employers:
Take steps to protect your workforce and our roads.
Visit www.drivefocusedatwork.com to access the WTSC Employer Toolkit—an easy-to-use resource to develop or strengthen your workplace distracted driving policy.
Parents:
Set clear expectations for your teen drivers:
- Eyes on the road
- Phone on Do Not Disturb
- Drive sober
- Always buckle up
- Follow posted speed limits
Your guidance makes a difference—young drivers look to you to model safe habits. Every time you drive, you’re modeling your family’s traffic safety values.
TAKE THE SAFE ROADS CHALLENGE
Washington’s new Safe Roads Challenge app rewards drivers for making safe, low-risk driving choices—like staying focused, driving sober, and respecting speed limits.
- Download the app
- Track your safe driving habits
- Earn rewards
- Be part of a movement for safer roads
- Accept the challenge today: https://saferoadschallenge.com
It starts with focus. It’s safety driven. It ends with lives saved.
New Traffic Safety Campaign Shows Importance of Keeping Eyes on the Road
OLYMPIA – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is launching a new campaign during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April. The campaign features a 30-second video that demonstrates how much the road can change in a short amount of time and reminds drivers to keep their focus on driving.
According to studies, it takes an average of five seconds to read a text message. In that short time, a car traveling at city speeds can cover approximately 220 feet, the length of three-quarters of a football field.
“Unfortunately, drivers who get away with using their phone while driving are more likely to do it again. We don’t want the consequences to be tragic when their luck runs out.” said Mark McKechnie, External Relations Director at WTSC. “In 2023, 136 traffic fatalities in Washington involved a distracted driver. People tend to underestimate these kinds of risks, so the new campaign illustrates just how much can change on the road in the blink of an eye.”
The campaign encourages drivers to take proactive steps to reduce distractions, such as placing their phones out of reach before driving. Additionally, law enforcement agencies across the state will be deploying extra emphasis patrols looking for distracted drivers from April 7-14.
“Operating a vehicle is one of the most dangerous activities we regularly do,” said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. “Because it is a daily task for most people, we forget how truly dangerous it is. As a result, we find ourselves easily distracted with cell phones and other electronics in the vehicle until tragedy strikes. So, I’m asking everyone, please be mindful of the task at hand when operating a vehicle, and let’s work together to make this state a safer place to live.”
Distracted driving is a violation of Washington’s Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI) law, which states drivers may not hold cell phones or watch videos while they are driving, stopped in traffic, or at a stop light. Hands-free use is limited to a single touch of the device. The first violation results in an E-DUI ticket that costs drivers $136. If the driver receives a second ticket within five years, the fine increases to $234.
Distraction is not just limited to electronics. Eating, drinking, and personal grooming also take drivers’ attention away from the road and other road users.
To view the campaign video and for more information about how to stay focused on the road, visit https://togetherwegetthere.com/distracted-driving.
###
Videos
Using short videos is a popular way to reinforce messages important to instilling safe driving practices. Feel free to embed in your social media posts, email messages, or on your website.
