Document Type
Other
Publication Date
8-2026
Abstract
Distractions in surface transportation pose an increasing safety risk for everyone, including professional and private drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, micromobility users, and transit riders. As technology advances and travel habits change, the scope of distractions has expanded beyond drivers to all road users, forming a complex safety challenge. This report offers a thorough review of the prevalence, causes, and effects of distractions across all transportation modes, drawing on existing studies, data analysis, and expert advice on effective solutions.
The findings demonstrate how distraction is common, especially among younger age groups where mobile devices are widely used. Data from sources like the National Transit Database (NTD), Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show notable risks linked to distraction. For drivers, distraction accounts for about 8% of fatal crashes and 13% of injury crashes, mainly caused by general inattention and mobile device use (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], 2026). Non-drivers, such as pedestrians and cyclists, are also affected by cognitive, visual, and audible distractions like mobile device use or listening to music, which reduce their situational awareness and elevate the risk of unsafe behaviors.
The societal and economic effects of distraction are significant. In 2020, incidents linked to distraction resulted in $98.2 billion in economic losses in the U.S., covering medical expenses, lost productivity, and diminished quality of life (NHTSA, 2023) However, underreporting and inconsistent data collection minimize the true scope of the issue, especially for non-fatal events involving pedestrians, cyclists, and micromobility users. These data gaps emphasize the need for better methods to accurately record distraction behaviors and their impacts.
Addressing distraction requires a comprehensive, system-wide strategy. Technologies such as driver monitoring systems, automated safety alerts, and real-time feedback tools are promising for reducing distraction risks. Behavioral measures, such as public awareness campaigns and outreach to high-risk groups, have proven effective in increasing awareness and encouraging safer habits. Policy initiatives, including hands-free laws and stricter enforcement, are vital to limit distraction from mobile devices and other secondary tasks. Simultaneously, community programs and collaboration among stakeholders are essential for customizing interventions to local needs and encouraging lasting behavioral change.
This report emphasizes the need for a multimodal approach to effectively tackle distraction. Understanding the distinct risks encountered by various user groups and transportation modes allows stakeholders to create targeted strategies that address the different challenges distraction presents.
In the end, reducing distraction-related incidents and enhancing safety in surface transportation calls for multifaceted and coordinated actions. This report serves as a resource for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers aiming to combat distraction with evidence-based strategies and innovative solutions. Focusing on safety and resilience in transportation systems helps lessen human and economic consequences of distraction and helps to create safer environments for everyone on the road.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.5038/YDWB8557
Scholar Commons Citation
Godfrey, Jodi and Saliceto, Gennaro, "Beyond the Driver’s Seat: A Multimodal Investigation into the Dangers of Distracted Behaviors in Surface Transportation" (2026). CUTR Internal Grant Research Program. 7.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cutr_igrp/7
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
