April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Focus Matters on Every Mile for All Road Users
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to take a hard look at the choices we all make behind the wheel.
Distracted driving can lead to deadly consequences on our roads. Cell phones — texting, talking, scrolling — are the most common distraction. But they’re not the only ones. Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving, including adjusting the radio or GPS, eating, drinking, even reaching for something in the cab.
And those few seconds matter.
In 2024, distracted driving killed 3,208 people and injured more than 315,000. That’s thousands of lives changed because someone looked away at the wrong time.
Why this matters for CMV drivers
If you’re behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle, the stakes are higher. Large trucks and buses can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They take longer to stop, are harder to maneuver, and leave less room for error. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have serious — or even fatal — consequences.
Federal regulations are clear: CMV drivers are prohibited from using handheld mobile devices while driving. Violations can mean fines, penalties, and even disqualification.
But beyond the rules, this is about safety, for CMV drivers and everyone sharing the road.
Simple steps that save lives
Safe driving isn’t complicated, but it does require full attention. Whether you are driving a CMV or a passenger vehicle, the basics go a long way:
- Need to send a message? Pull over and park safely.
- Set your GPS and route before you start driving.
- Don’t scroll through apps or reach for your phone.
- Ask a passenger to handle calls or texts.
- If you’re struggling, put your phone out of reach — glove box, back seat, or cab storage.
- Get enough rest. Drowsy driving is distraction, too.
Driving around trucks and buses? Stay alert.
Safety is a shared responsibility. One distracted move around a CMV can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. If you’re driving near a large truck or bus:
- Give them space — they need more time to stop
- Stay out of blind spots
- Don’t cut in front of them
- Stay focused and off your phone
Take action — on and off the road
Every year, tens of thousands of people lose their lives on our roadways, including thousands in crashes involving large trucks and buses. Professional drivers keep America moving. Whether you’re in a big rig or a passenger car, everyone has a role in keeping our roads safe. This month is about more than awareness; it’s about action.
- Remind your friends and family: if you’re driving, that’s your only job
- Speak up if your driver is distracted
- Ask others to commit to distraction-free driving
- Share the message and help spread awareness
FMCSA’s Distracted Driving campaign is part of the Our Roads, Our Safety® program, which reminds us that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Get tips, tools, and downloadable resources here.
Stay focused. Stay alert. And help make sure everyone gets home safe.
