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Safe driving guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Distracted Driving: Facts and How to Avoid It
Phones are only part of the problem. Here is how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving, what its latest figures show, and the habits it recommends.
3,208Killed in 2024 crashes involving distracted drivers (NHTSA)
315,167Injured in 2024 (NHTSA)
5 sec.Eyes off the road to send or read a text
55 mphA football field with your eyes closed
The short answer
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, from texting to eating to adjusting the stereo. NHTSA reports 3,208 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024. Put the phone away, speak up as a passenger, and keep your attention on the road.
What counts as distracted driving
NHTSA defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving. Its examples:
Your phone
Talking or texting on your phone.
Food and drinks
Eating and drinking behind the wheel.
Passengers
Talking to people in your vehicle.
Controls and screens
Fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.
NHTSA's rule of thumb: you cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention, and any non-driving activity is a potential distraction that increases your risk of crashing.
The numbers
| NHTSA figure | What it measures |
|---|---|
| 3,208 | People killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024 |
| 315,167 | People injured by distracted driving in 2024 |
| 5 seconds | Time your eyes are off the road to send or read a text |
From NHTSA's Distracted Driving page, read November 10, 2026. NHTSA cites its Driver Distraction and Electronic Device Use data.
Why texting is the most alarming distraction
NHTSA calls texting the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, NHTSA says, that is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
How to stay focused
NHTSA's safe-driving pledge comes down to three habits:
Phone down
Never text or talk on the phone while driving.
Speak up
Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in your car is distracted.
Spread it
Encourage friends and family to drive phone-free.
For families, NHTSA suggests parents lead by example and talk with their young drivers about responsibility. It also reminds parents that in states with graduated driver licensing, a violation could mean a delayed or suspended license for a teen.
What about the law?
NHTSA notes that states set distracted driving laws, and many now have laws against texting, talking on a cell phone and other distractions while driving. For the rules here, see our Indiana hands-free driving law guide.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Michigan City Ford is a new and used Ford dealership in Michigan City, IN, with its own service department.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Distracted driving FAQ
What is distracted driving?
NHTSA defines it as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.
How many people die from distracted driving?
NHTSA reports that 3,208 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024.
How many people are injured by distracted driving?
NHTSA reports 315,167 people injured by distracted driving in 2024.
Why is texting while driving so dangerous?
NHTSA says sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Is talking to passengers a distraction?
Yes. NHTSA lists talking to people in your vehicle among the activities that divert attention from driving.
Who makes distracted driving laws?
NHTSA says the states determine laws affecting distracted driving. See our Indiana hands-free driving law guide for Indiana.
More safe driving guides
See our drowsy driving guide and driver assistance features explained.
Sources
Definitions, figures and tips are from NHTSA's Distracted Driving page, read November 10, 2026. This page is general safety information, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- NHTSA: Distracted Driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026