Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Americans Want More Education on Distracted Driving

Some 89% of U.S. motorists say they need better education about the impact of distracted driving and 74% say they would pay more for a vehicle with built-in features to correct or prevent distractions on the road.

May 16, 2019
Americans Want More Education on Distracted Driving

American drivers are seeking more information and features that would help them reduce distracted driving, according to a new survey.

Photo via U.S. Air Force.

2 min to read


Some 89% of U.S. motorists say they need better education about the impact of distracted driving and 74% say they would pay more for a vehicle with built-in features to correct or prevent distractions on the road, according to a recent survey by The Harris Poll and Volvo Car USA.

The report explores sources and solutions of distraction on the nation's highways and byways. 

Ad Loading...

Drivers identify using a phone as the number one distraction while driving, with 43% noting cell phones as the main culprit.

However, another top source of distraction behind the wheel is driving while worried, an activity 92% of Americans admit to doing. In fact, one-third of respondents say they are "always" or "often" worried behind the wheel.

Other sources of distraction that respondents noted include children in the vehicle (11%), other passengers (9%), and changing the GPS (8%) or music (5%).

When asked to identify top safety threats on the road, 55% of survey respondents cited distracted driving—far surpassing driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (31%), driving aggressively (8%), and speeding (3%).

The report authors conclude that Americans are looking for help to minimize distractions.

Ad Loading...

The vast majority (84%) agree that it's safer for drivers to use voice commands to activate or control their vehicle's features, rather than manually doing so. Three in four say the roads would be much safer if all vehicles had voice command capabilities and 74% say they expect to use the technology more in the next five years than they do now.

As for specific applications, more than half say they would use voice command technology for the navigation or GPS.

More Safety

A black square with white color font text
SafetyJuly 2, 2026

From Silos to Solutions: Relationship Management for Safer Fleets

From telematics adoption and driver accountability to policy consistency and risk mitigation, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a safer fleet culture without slowing business down.

Read More →
IIHS HLDI text overlaid on the trunks of pick up trucks.
Safetyby Chris BrownJuly 2, 2026

IIHS Launches First Commercial Vehicle Safety Evaluations

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has begun evaluating heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans for driver protection. Which models earned top marks?

Read More →
A blue and white Automotive Fleet podcast logo
SafetyJuly 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Hosted with the cofounder of Lifesaver Mobile, this episode addresses phone use behind the wheel and how to design a driving environment that actually helps prevents accidents.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two people sit across from each other at a desk during a business meeting. One person, wearing a white shirt, has their hands folded while the other gestures with a pen toward documents clipped to a clipboard. Additional paperwork and a calculator are visible on the table, suggesting a discussion involving contracts, finances, or administrative paperwork. Sunlight filters through window blinds in the background, creating a professional office setting.
SponsoredJuly 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-Time Prevention (Part 2 of 2)

Part Two: Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Continue learning more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
SafetyJune 26, 2026

How 5-Second Telematics Data Is Changing Fleet Safety

This episode connects with Steve Santostasi of Ford Pro and covers how a few seconds of data can make a difference in fleet safety.

Read More →
Ambulance and damaged car at a crash scene on a rainy roadway, illustrating workplace transportation risks and the growing focus on road safety management for fleets.
SafetyJune 16, 2026

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework

Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Safetyby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Road signs pointing to “Safe” and “Risky” beside a glowing AI network graphic, illustrating the role of artificial intelligence in driver safety, coaching, training, and risk management.
SafetyJune 10, 2026

Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It

AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.

Read More →
Driver resting in a vehicle seat, illustrating the dangers of fatigue and the importance of driver wellness, rest, and alertness for safe fleet and roadway operations.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJune 9, 2026

How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety

During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →