One out of four car crashes in the United States involve a driver using a smartphone. That is not a typo.
One out of four and sadly, they are not all mere fender benders. Too often these accidents cause injury or death.
Driving with a phone in your hand is what I call the trifecta of distraction. In that moment your hands, eyes, and mind are all pulled away from the task of driving making crashes more likely.
Watch to learn more in this TempleCare Tip.
Laws are changing
More than half of U.S. states now ban handheld phone use while driving. Texting while driving is banned in almost every state. Louisiana joined that group on August 1, 2025. Officers are issuing warnings through December 31, 2025. Fines start January 1, 2026, with higher penalties in school and highway work zones.
Not in Louisiana? You can check the rules for your state here: State-by-state distracted driving laws.
Principle behind the law
My mama taught me:
Calls and notifications are requests for my attention, not demands.
This wisdom applies on the road. Love and concern for yourself, your passengers and every person sharing the road means keeping your attention where it belongs. Phones can wait.
Safer smartphone habits when driving
- Mount the phone before you move the car.
- Use Do Not Disturb While Driving so calls and notifications hold.
- Keep any call voice-only and hands-free.
- Hand the phone to a passenger if something must be done.
- Pull over to read, type, or scroll.
- Teach and model this for young drivers.
This is TempleCare — stewardship of health and life through small daily choices.
For more on how smartphone habits affect productivity and well-being, check out Episode 006 of my Faith Applied Podcast: When Smartphone Use is Not So Smart. I recorded this episode a few years ago, but the information is still helpful and healthful today.
Take care, God bless, drive safe, and stay well!
~ Nettye