Introduction

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in daily life – and unfortunately on the road. In the past five years, many developed countries have reported an alarming number of automobile crashes and fatalities attributed to drivers distracted by mobile phones.

Public perception mirrors this concern: in a 2020 survey, 96% of U.S. motorists said that texting or emailing while driving is extremely or very dangerous. Yet despite broad awareness, driver behavior hasn't caught up – significant portions of drivers admit to using their phones behind the wheel, and the consequences are showing up in crash statistics.

This report examines whether smartphone-related driving fatalities have truly been rising, identifies which countries and U.S. states are worst (and least) affected, and analyzes how laws, enforcement, demographics, and technology intersect with this deadly trend.

We also review responses from car manufacturers, smartphone companies, and governments, and conclude with concrete recommendations at the national, state, community, and individual levels to combat distracted driving.