Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Drivers Still Multitasking Behind the Wheel

The majority of drivers (61%) continue to multi-task from behind the wheel, even though nearly every U.S. state and Washington D.C. has laws prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, according to a new survey by Kelley Blue Book.

by Staff
April 14, 2016
2 min to read


The majority of drivers (61%) continue to multi-task from behind the wheel, even though nearly every U.S. state and Washington D.C. has laws prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, according to a new survey by Kelley Blue Book.

The 2016 Kelley Blue Book Distracted Driving Awareness survey, released today by KBB.com, also revealed that nearly half (47 percent) of respondents have used their phone while driving on roads or residential streets. Additionally, 40% of respondents said they have used their phones while cruising the highway, while 86% said they have used their phone while at a stop light or in heavy traffic.

Ad Loading...

Talking on the phone and using the navigation system were the highest rated activities reported at 78% and 71%, respectively. Texting came in third at 67%, followed by using music apps (47%) and using social media (31%).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 25% of all crashes involve some form of driver distraction, and drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. In fact, nearly three quarters of survey respondents (71%) believe that cell phone usage is the biggest threat facing today’s teen drivers, with drinking and driving (18%) and reckless driving (10%) rating as a distant second and third, respectively.

According to Distraction.gov, the average time a driver takes their eyes off the road while texting is five seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. Millennial drivers report the highest rates of texting (74%) and checking social media sites (36%) while driving. However, young people are not the only drivers reaching for their phones. The survey reveals that Baby Boomers lead the pack, reporting the highest rate overall of talking on the phone while driving (87%), followed by Gen X (83%) and Millenials (76%).

“We all know that texting while driving is a serious distraction, but it isn’t the only reason drivers are taking their eyes off the road,” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “With the increase of in-car technology, there are more distractions vying for a driver’s attention. Whether it is in-dash navigation, music apps or voice command call or text, more and more drivers are multi-tasking behind the wheel as opposed to focusing on the road.”

More Safety

Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.

Read More →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 15, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2

As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.

Read More →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 11, 2026

 Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash

What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver holding a phone while steering, illustrating distracted driving and the importance of mental awareness and attention on the road for fleet safety.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 10, 2026

From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers

Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.

Read More →
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report

While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.

Read More →
Driver’s hands on steering wheel in a sunlit vehicle, representing real-world driver behavior and the shift from data monitoring to hands-on training in fleet safety programs.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 7, 2026

Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?

Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person in a car on their phone behind the steering wheel.
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 1, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1

A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.

Read More →
Pedestrians crossing a busy street, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and caution to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Safetyby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Pedestrian Safety Starts With the Driver

More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 30, 2026

Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus

Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby StaffMarch 26, 2026

Pedestrian Deaths Drop in First Half of 2025, Marking Largest Decline in Years

An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.

Read More →