Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted Driving: The Cost Beyond the Ticket

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to take a closer look at everyday habits behind the wheel that can have serious consequences. Across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols throughout April, with a focus on drivers distracted by cell phone use and other behaviors that take attention away from the road.

Most drivers know distracted driving is dangerous. What many do not realize is that even a single ticket can follow them long after the moment has passed, especially when it comes to auto insurance.

A Persistent and Deadly Problem

Distracted driving continues to be a major safety issue across the country.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,208 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024.

In Washington, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that 153 fatalities involved a distracted driver in 2024. Law enforcement is seeing the issue up close. The Washington State Patrol stopped more than 40,400 distracted drivers in 2025.

The impact is just as serious across the Northwest. The Oregon Department of Transportation reports 28,699 crashes involving a distracted driver between 2019 and 2023. These crashes resulted in 221 fatalities and more than 28,000 injuries. In Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department reported 4,435 distracted driving crashes in 2024, including 51 fatalities.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

It is not just texting.

Distracted driving includes anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as:

• Checking GPS directions
• Changing music or podcasts
• Eating or drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming

While cell phone use remains the biggest concern, even small distractions can have serious consequences.

The Insurance Impact Most Drivers Do Not Expect

A distracted driving ticket does not end with a fine.

It becomes part of your driving record, and that is something insurance companies review closely.

According to the NW Insurance Council, many insurers apply surcharges or increase premiums for distracted driving violations, especially if a crash is involved.

What that could mean:

• Loss of good driver discounts
• Premium increases of 2 to 4 percent for a single violation
• Increases of 10 to 20 percent or more if a crash or multiple violations are involved

The exact impact depends on your driving history, the circumstances, and your insurance provider. Still, the financial effects can add up quickly.

Why This Matters for Everyone on the Road

Distracted driving is both a public safety and public health issue that destroys lives and damages property. It is not just about individual risk. It affects passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and overall insurance costs across the system.

As crashes increase, so do the costs associated with medical care, vehicle repairs, and legal claims. Those rising costs can contribute to higher insurance premiums for everyone.

A Simple Way to Reduce the Risk

The most effective way to avoid crashes and higher insurance costs is simple:

• Put your phone away before driving
• Set your GPS and music ahead of time
• Stay focused on the road

To learn more about Distracted Driving Awareness Month, visit the NHTSA’s website.