Florida Sees Rise in Distracted Driving Crashes

Distracted Driving Awareness Month highlights need for safer habits behind the wheel

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:18pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a vehicle in motion, conveying the chaos and risk of distracted driving through sweeping streaks of vibrant color.As distracted driving incidents rise, this abstract image captures the dangerous blur of speed and lack of focus on Florida's roads.Sarasota Today

Last year, Florida recorded more than 300 fatalities tied to distracted driving, the most since 2021, along with over 2,100 serious injuries and 52,900 crashes involving distracted driving. The Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Highway Safety are urging drivers to put down their phones and keep their attention on the road, as enforcement has increased since 2019 with the Wireless Communications While Driving Act.

Why it matters

Distracted driving, including using a phone while driving, poses a serious threat to public safety on Florida's roads. With crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the rise, there is a growing need to raise awareness and change driver behavior to prevent further tragedies.

The details

Trooper Kenn Watson of the Florida Highway Patrol said the paramount reason for increased enforcement is to keep drivers and everyone around them safe. The upward trend in distracted driving incidents increases the likelihood of deadly outcomes, with drivers often underestimating how quickly a glance at a screen can become dangerous. Safety experts warn that using a phone while driving can take a driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and attention away from the task of driving, with the potential to travel the distance of a football field with just a quick glance.

  • Last year, Florida recorded more than 300 fatalities tied to distracted driving, the most since 2021.
  • In 2019, Florida passed the Wireless Communications While Driving Act, upgrading texting while driving from a secondary offense to a primary offense.

The players

Florida Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing traffic laws and promoting road safety in Florida.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and highway safety programs in Florida.

Trooper Kenn Watson

A Florida Highway Patrol officer who spoke about the importance of focused driving and the agency's enforcement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“The paramount reason that we as law enforcement officers are making these traffic stops for people on their phone is simply to keep you safe and everyone around you safe.”

— Trooper Kenn Watson, Florida Highway Patrol

“With all of these numbers increasing, it simply is going to have a negative effect when it comes to the opportunities created for something to go wrong.”

— Trooper Kenn Watson, Florida Highway Patrol

“Be a shining example, do the right thing and explain to them the future drivers that are going to be in Southwest Florida, the proper way to do things.”

— Trooper Kenn Watson, Florida Highway Patrol

What’s next

The Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will continue their enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns throughout Distracted Driving Awareness Month and beyond to address the rise in distracted driving incidents across the state.

The takeaway

Distracted driving, including the use of phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel, poses a serious and growing threat to road safety in Florida. This issue requires a multi-pronged approach of increased enforcement, public education, and personal responsibility from all drivers to put down their phones and keep their focus on the road.