Distracted Driving Awareness Month
What Trucking Fleets Need to Fix Now
Every April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month brings attention to a problem that still causes serious harm on U.S. roads. For trucking companies, this is not just a public awareness topic. It is a fleet safety issue, a liability issue, and an operational issue.
According to NHTSA, 3,208 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024. NHTSA also warns that sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is like traveling the length of a football field without watching the roadway.
For fleets, those seconds matter. A commercial motor vehicle does not stop quickly. It takes more distance, more control, and more attention to operate safely. That means a moment of distraction in a truck can have consequences that are far more severe than a routine traffic mistake.
In an effort to curb these numbers, April has been designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The DOT, National Safety Council, and numerous other organizations are campaigning to bring attention to the dangers associated with the types of distracted driving.
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Distracted Driving Is Bigger Than Texting
When many people hear “distracted driving,” they think of texting behind the wheel. That is part of the problem, but it is not the whole problem.
CDC defines distracted driving as doing another activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. It breaks distraction into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. In other words, distraction can mean taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving. CDC specifically lists texting, talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving as examples.
That matters in trucking because distraction does not always look obvious. It can be a driver glancing at a dispatch message. It can be reaching for a device. It can be entering directions while rolling. It can even be staying mentally tied to a conversation while the truck is still moving. NIOSH notes that cognitive distractions affect a person’s ability to be fully engaged in driving, even when their hands are on the wheel and they are looking at the road. It also states that hands-free phones are just as distracting as handheld phones from an attention standpoint.
The Solutions
Companies with drivers on the road face numerous safety challenges. From mechanical failures to driver fatigue to other drivers causing accidents, there’s a lot of ground to cover with safety training. Fortunately, our clients can lean on our online learning management platform for help.
Our industry-leading library of safety videos includes driver training on distracted driving, when hands-free devices are allowed, and when no devices are allowed. They can also utilize their Announcements page through their INFINITI training site to post reminders and flyers to let drivers know about Distracted Driving Awareness Month as soon as they log in.
The DOT Distracted Driving and NSC Distracted Driving Awareness Registration also have resources available on their websites.
Not a client yet? Sign up for a INFINITI Learning Management Demo or join us at Safety Manager Training Event to see what INFINIT-I’s mobile LMS can do to help your drivers ignore distractions and focus on the road.
Why This Matters More in Trucking
Distraction is dangerous in any vehicle. In a truck, the stakes are higher.
FMCSA says the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event are 23.2 times greater for CMV drivers who text while driving than for those who do not. It also says the odds are six times greater for CMV drivers who dial a mobile phone while driving. FMCSA further notes that texting drivers took their eyes off the forward roadway for an average of 4.6 seconds.
That is why distracted driving cannot be treated as a minor behavior issue in fleet operations. In a passenger car, distraction is dangerous. In a tractor trailer, the same lapse can become catastrophic because of vehicle size, stopping distance, traffic conditions, cargo weight, and the sheer amount of damage a crash can cause.
Federal Rules Are Clear
This is not an area where fleets can afford vague expectations.
FMCSA prohibits CMV drivers from texting while driving and restricts the use of hand-held mobile phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers may not hold a phone, reach for it in an unsafe way, or press more than a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication. FMCSA states that a driver can only use a mobile phone lawfully if it is positioned close enough to operate while restrained and used through voice activation, speakerphone, or one-button touch features.
The penalties are serious. FMCSA states that violations can bring civil penalties up to $2,750 for drivers and up to $11,000 for motor carriers who allow or require this behavior. It also says violations affect SMS results and carry maximum severity weighting, and that multiple driver offenses can lead to disqualification.
That employer language matters. A fleet cannot protect itself simply by telling drivers to be careful. If the company allows, expects, or pressures drivers to engage with devices while driving, the company is part of the problem.
Distracted Driving Is Also a Business Risk
In trucking, distraction is not only a safety issue. It is a business cost issue.
NIOSH says motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. It reports that from 2011 through 2022, more than 21,000 workers died in work-related motor vehicle crashes. NIOSH also says work-related crashes cost employers $39 billion in 2019 alone, including an average of about $75,000 per nonfatal injury and $751,000 per death.
BLS data reinforces how large roadway exposure remains in work settings. In 2024, transportation incidents were the most frequent type of fatal occupational event, accounting for 1,937 deaths. Of those, 1,146 were roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles.
For trucking companies, that means distracted driving is not just about avoiding tickets. It affects crash costs, insurance exposure, legal exposure, downtime, equipment damage, customer disruption, driver retention, and public reputation.
Why Fleets Cannot Rely on “Use Good Judgment”
A weak distracted driving policy usually sounds reasonable on paper. It tells drivers to use good judgment, stay focused, and avoid unnecessary phone use. The problem is that vague language leaves room for rationalization.
In real operations, “good judgment” gets bent by pressure. A driver may believe one quick glance will not matter. A dispatcher may think one quick reply is harmless. A supervisor may not intend to create risk but still expect immediate updates. Over time, that turns distraction into something that feels normal.
NIOSH recommends a stronger approach. Its distracted driving at work guidance advises employers to ban all phone use while driving, including texting, handheld use, and hands-free calls. It also recommends requiring workers to pull over in a safe location before making or receiving a call, texting, or looking up directions, and it suggests considering phone-blocking technology where appropriate.
That kind of clarity matters in trucking because drivers do not need a policy that sounds polite. They need one that is simple enough to follow under pressure.
Fleet Pressure Can Make the Problem Worse
This is one of the most overlooked parts of distracted driving in trucking.
NIOSH says workers who drive for their jobs are more likely than other drivers to be in a hurry, think about work, be tired, or use a cell phone. That should sound familiar in fleet operations. Route changes, customer communication, schedule pressure, detention, delays, and dispatch updates can all create conditions where distraction starts to feel built into the job.
That means fleets have to look beyond driver blame. If the operation rewards instant response while the truck is moving, then the policy is already being undermined. A carrier that says safety comes first but still creates pressure for immediate communication is sending mixed signals.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a good time to fix that. Drivers should not have to choose between staying responsive and staying safe.
What Good Training Should Actually Cover
A distracted driving program for trucking should go beyond “do not text and drive.”
Drivers need practical reinforcement on what distraction actually looks like in fleet operations. That includes phone calls, dispatch messages, GPS entry, reading updates, reaching for devices, eating while rolling, and mentally checking out during routine highway miles. CDC’s definition of distracted driving and NIOSH’s breakdown of visual, manual, and cognitive distraction make it clear that the issue is broader than thumbs on a screen.
Training should also explain the difference between what is legally allowed and what is still risky. FMCSA’s rules allow limited hands-free use under certain conditions, but NIOSH says hands-free conversations still create cognitive distraction. That does not mean fleets have to copy the law word for word and stop there. It means the safest fleet policy may need to go further than the minimum legal threshold.
Good training also needs to connect distraction to real fleet consequences. Not just a citation. Not just a safety slogan. Drivers and managers need to understand that one lapse can affect crash exposure, injury risk, insurance costs, legal defense, SMS performance, and driver employment.
Policy, Reinforcement, and Documentation Have to Work Together
Fleets often make one of two mistakes. Some have a written policy with little follow-through. Others talk about safety often, but do not have a strong written standard to back it up.
The better approach is to connect policy, reinforcement, and documentation.
Policy sets the expectation. Training explains it. Reinforcement keeps it active. Documentation proves it was real.
That matters after a crash. A distracted driving policy that no one signed, training that was never tracked, and coaching that was never documented are all harder to defend when attorneys, insurers, or regulators begin asking questions. NIOSH’s motor vehicle safety guidance emphasizes structured employer programs because roadway risk is not reduced by intention alone.
For trucking fleets, documentation is not busywork. It is part of defensible operations.
What Fleets Should Do During Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month should not be treated like a one-time poster campaign. It should be used as a reset point.
This is the right time to review your distracted driving policy and remove vague wording. It is the right time to retrain drivers on what counts as distraction in a truck, not just in a passenger car. It is the right time to coach dispatchers, supervisors, and managers, so they are not unintentionally creating pressure for drivers to respond while moving. It is also the right time to make sure acknowledgments, training records, and follow-up are being documented.
NHTSA’s message is simple: driving demands full attention. FMCSA’s message is just as clear for trucking: no call, no text, no ticket. The challenge for fleets is making sure those messages show up not only in policy manuals, but in daily operations.
The Real Goal Is Not Awareness Alone
Most drivers already know distracted driving is dangerous. Awareness, by itself, is not the hard part. The hard part is changing what gets normalized in the cab and across the fleet. The hard part is removing mixed signals and making sure urgency does not keep outranking attention. In trucking, the cost of getting that wrong is too high. FMCSA’s current crash-cost methodology estimates the average cost of a large-truck non-injury crash at $46,765, the average injury crash at $383,168, and the average fatal crash at $14,578,771. That means even one preventable distraction-related incident can carry a financial impact far beyond the price of training, coaching, or reinforcement.
That is where consistent reinforcement matters. INFINITI’s trucking materials state that fleets using the platform have reduced accidents by at least 18%, and one published case study shows BR Williams lowered preventable accidents from 34 per year to 18 while reducing yearly accident costs by 50.7% through structured online reinforcement and stronger training participation. In other words, the goal of Distracted Driving Awareness Month is not just to remind drivers to be careful. It is to turn awareness into repeatable behavior, documented training, and safer day-to-day decisions that reduce both crash frequency and crash cost.
Turn Awareness Into Action
Distracted Driving Awareness Month should do more than remind fleets that distraction is dangerous. It should push real action. Clear expectations, consistent reinforcement, and documented training all help reduce the kinds of small lapses that turn into costly crashes, compliance problems, and preventable risk.
If your fleet is serious about reducing distracted driving and strengthening day-to-day safety habits, now is the time to take the next step. A Free 30-Day Trial gives you the chance to see how INFINITI helps reinforce safer driving behaviors, support accountability, and keep training consistent across your operation.
FAQs
What is the definition of distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
Distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month is defined as any activity that diverts attention away from driving, including visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. For trucking fleets, this goes beyond texting and includes dispatch communication, GPS entry, eating, or even thinking about work tasks while driving. According to safety agencies, even hands free conversations can reduce focus and reaction time. Distracted Driving Awareness Month reinforces that safe driving requires full attention at all times. For fleets and school transportation professionals, understanding this definition is the first step toward building effective training programs that reduce risk, improve compliance, and protect drivers, passengers, and the public.
What are the three main types of distracted driving highlighted in Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, experts emphasize three main types of distracted driving which are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Visual distractions involve taking eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone or navigation system. Manual distractions include removing hands from the wheel, like reaching for food or a device. Cognitive distractions occur when the driver’s mind is not fully focused on driving, even if eyes and hands are in place. For trucking and school bus operations, all three types are dangerous. Effective training programs during Distracted Driving Awareness Month help drivers recognize and eliminate each type to improve overall fleet safety.
What percentage of collisions involve distracted driving and why does it matter for fleets?
A significant percentage of collisions involve distracted driving, making it a critical concern during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Thousands of fatalities occur each year due to distracted drivers, and commercial motor vehicles face even greater risks due to size and stopping distance. For fleets, even one distracted driving incident can lead to costly claims, legal exposure, and reputational damage. Distracted Driving Awareness Month highlights the need for continuous training and reinforcement to reduce these risks. By addressing distraction proactively, trucking companies and school transportation departments can lower accident rates, improve safety culture, and protect both drivers and the communities they serve.
What are manual distractions when driving and how do they impact truck drivers?
Manual distractions during Distracted Driving Awareness Month refer to any activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, such as texting, eating, adjusting controls, or reaching for devices. For truck drivers and bus operators, manual distractions are especially dangerous because larger vehicles require more control and longer stopping distances. Losing physical control, even briefly, can lead to serious incidents. Distracted Driving Awareness Month emphasizes eliminating these behaviors through clear policies and training. Fleets that reinforce hands on wheel expectations and require drivers to stop before handling devices significantly reduce risk, improve compliance, and create safer driving conditions across operations.
What are the economic costs attributable to distracted driving annually for fleets?
Distracted driving creates massive economic costs each year, which is a major focus during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Work related vehicle crashes cost employers billions annually, with individual incidents ranging from tens of thousands to millions depending on severity. For trucking companies and school transportation departments, costs include vehicle damage, insurance increases, legal fees, downtime, and lost productivity. Distracted Driving Awareness Month encourages fleets to view distraction not only as a safety issue but also a financial risk. Investing in consistent driver training and clear policies can significantly reduce these costs and improve long term operational performance and profitability.
Which of the following is not considered a driving distraction in trucking operations?
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it is important to understand that nearly any non driving activity can be considered a distraction. Many assume only texting qualifies, but distractions also include hands free conversations, eating, adjusting navigation, or focusing on work related stress. In reality, very few activities beyond full attention to driving are safe while operating a commercial vehicle. Distracted Driving Awareness Month helps clarify that even legally permitted actions may still reduce focus and increase risk. Fleets should train drivers to minimize all distractions and encourage stopping in a safe location before engaging in any secondary task.
How can you best limit phone distractions while driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
The best way to limit phone distractions during Distracted Driving Awareness Month is to eliminate phone use while the vehicle is in motion. This includes both handheld and hands free communication, as both can create cognitive distraction. Fleets should implement strict policies requiring drivers to pull over safely before making calls, texting, or using apps. Training programs should reinforce these expectations regularly. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the ideal time to reset these standards and ensure compliance. Using technology such as phone blocking tools can further support safe behavior and reduce the likelihood of distraction related incidents across fleet operations.
Is eating while driving considered distracted driving for truck and bus drivers?
Yes, eating while driving is considered distracted driving and is a key focus during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This activity combines manual and cognitive distraction, as drivers take their hands off the wheel and shift attention away from the road. For truck drivers and school bus operators, this increases the risk of delayed reaction times and loss of vehicle control. Distracted Driving Awareness Month highlights the importance of planning breaks for meals rather than multitasking while driving. Fleets that educate drivers on these risks and enforce clear policies can significantly reduce preventable incidents and improve overall roadway safety.
What is cognitive distraction while driving and why is it dangerous in trucking?
Cognitive distraction during Distracted Driving Awareness Month refers to situations where a driver’s mind is not fully focused on driving, even if their eyes and hands appear to be engaged. Examples include talking on the phone, thinking about schedules, or being mentally distracted by stress. For trucking and school transportation, this type of distraction is particularly dangerous because it reduces awareness and reaction time. Distracted Driving Awareness Month emphasizes that safe driving requires full mental attention. Training programs that address cognitive distraction help drivers stay engaged, make better decisions, and avoid incidents that could have serious consequences.
Why is distracted driving dangerous for commercial drivers and fleet operations?
Distracted driving is dangerous for commercial drivers because it significantly increases the likelihood of crashes, especially in large vehicles that require more time and distance to stop. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, data shows that distracted drivers are far more likely to be involved in safety critical events. For fleets, this risk extends beyond safety to include financial losses, legal exposure, and damage to reputation. Distracted Driving Awareness Month reinforces the need for consistent training, strong policies, and leadership accountability. By addressing distraction at every level, fleets can reduce incidents, protect drivers, and maintain safer operations overall.
