Alabama Drivers Top National Survey for Distracted Driving

State has highest percentage of drivers admitting to risky behaviors like applying makeup behind the wheel.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a woman's hand applying makeup in a car's rearview mirror, repeated in a tight grid pattern in the style of Andy Warhol. The image utilizes flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the everyday distraction of personal grooming into modern pop art.A recent survey found Alabama has the highest rate of drivers admitting to applying makeup and other grooming behaviors while behind the wheel, despite the state's 'hands-free' driving law.Anderson Today

A recent survey by Mercury Insurance found that Alabama has the highest percentage of drivers in the nation who admit to driving while distracted, with 45% of respondents reporting they engage in distracting behaviors like putting on makeup, adjusting the radio, or using their phones while operating a vehicle. This comes despite a 'hands-free' law in Alabama that went into effect in 2023, aimed at curbing distracted driving.

Why it matters

Distracted driving is a major safety concern, contributing to thousands of accidents and fatalities each year nationwide. Alabama's high rate of self-reported distracted driving behaviors suggests the state may need to ramp up education and enforcement efforts around its hands-free law in order to improve driver safety and reduce accidents.

The details

The survey divided driving habits into 10 categories, with Alabama drivers falling into the 'Stylist' category, meaning the majority admitted to putting on makeup or doing their hair while behind the wheel. Overall, the survey found that 45% of Alabama respondents engaged in distracted behaviors, compared to a national average of 35% across 27 different distracting actions.

  • Alabama's 'hands-free' driving law went into effect on June 15, 2023.
  • The Mercury Insurance survey was completed in time for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April 2026.

The players

Mercury Insurance

An insurance company that conducted the survey on distracted driving behaviors across the United States.

Larry Anderson

The director of Underwriting for Mercury Insurance, who commented on the survey findings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Overconfidence is a risk multiplier. When drivers believe they can safely multitask, they're less likely to self-correct those behaviors. That gap between perceived control and actual reaction time is where accidents happen.”

— Larry Anderson, Director of Underwriting, Mercury Insurance

What’s next

Alabama lawmakers and transportation officials will likely need to reevaluate the state's distracted driving laws and enforcement efforts in light of these survey findings, in order to improve driver safety and reduce accidents.

The takeaway

Despite having a 'hands-free' driving law in place, Alabama continues to struggle with high rates of distracted driving behaviors, underscoring the need for more comprehensive education, enforcement, and cultural change around the dangers of multitasking behind the wheel.