TRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS
Research Note

DOT HS 812 700

Summary of Statistical Findings

April 2019

Distracted Driving in Fatal Crashes, 2017
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) works to reduce the occurrence of distracted­driving and raise awareness of its dangers. This risky behavior poses a danger to vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians
and bicyclists. Driver distraction is a specific type of driver
inattention. Distraction occurs when drivers divert their­attention from the driving task to focus on some other activity. Often discussions regarding distracted driving ­centeraround cell phone use and texting, but distracted driving
also includes other activities such as eating, talking to otherpassengers, or adjusting the radio or climate controls. A
distraction-affected crash is any crash in which a driver wasidentified as distracted at the time of the crash.
■■ Nine percent of fatal crashes in 2017 were reported as­distraction-affected crashes.
■■ In 2017 there were 3,166 people killed in motor vehicle

crashes involving distracted drivers.
■■ Six percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes werereported as distracted at the time of the crashes. Eight percent of drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes
were reported as distracted. This age group has the largest
proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of thefatal crashes.
■■ In 2017 there were 599 nonoccupants (pedestrians, bicy-clists, and others) killed in distraction-affected crashes.

Methodology
This research note contains information on fatal motor vehicle
crashes and fatalities, based on data from the Fatality Analysis
Reporting System (FARS). Refer to the end of this publication
for more information on FARS.
As defined in the Overview of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration’s Driver Distraction Program (Report No. DOT
HS 811 299), distraction is a specific type of inattention thatoccurs when drivers divert their attention from the driving
task to focus on some other activity instead. The document
describes distraction as a subset of inattention (which also

NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis

includes fatigue, and physical and emotional conditions ofthe driver). However, while NHTSA may define the terms inthis manner, inattention and distraction are often used interchangeably or simultaneously in other material, including
police crash reports. It is important that NHTSA and NHTSA’s
data users be aware of these differences in definitions. It isalso important to acknowledge the inherent limitations in thedata collection for distraction-affected crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities. The appendix of this document contains a table that describes the coding for distraction-affectedcrashes for FARS and a discussion regarding limitations in thedistracted driving data.

DataFatalities in Distraction-Affected Crashes
In 2017, there were 34,247 fatal crashes in the United States
involving 52,274 drivers. As a result of those fatal crashes,
37,133 people were killed.
There were 2,935 fatal crashes that occurred on U.S. roadways
in 2017 that involved distraction (9% of all fatal crashes). Thesecrashes involved 2,994 distracted drivers, since some crashes
involved more than one distracted driver. Distraction wasreported for 6 percent (2,994 of 52,274) of the drivers involvedin fatal crashes. In these distraction-affected crashes, 3,166
fatalities (9% of overall fatalities) occurred. Table 1 provides
information on crashes, drivers, and fatalities involved in fatal
distraction-affected crashes in 2017.
Much attention across the country has been focused on thedangers of using cell phones and other electronic devices
while driving. In 2017 there were 401 fatal crashes reported tohave involved cell phone use as a distraction (14% of all fatal
distraction-affected crashes). For these distraction-affectedcrashes, the police crash report stated that the driver wastalking on, listening to, or engaged in some other cell phone
activity at the time of the crash. A total of 434 people diedin fatal crashes that involved cell-phone-related activities asdistractions.

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Table 1

Fatal Crashes, Drivers in Fatal Crashes, and Fatalities, 2017
Crashes

Drivers

Fatalities

34,24752,274

37,133Distraction-Affected (D-A)

2,935(9% of total crashes)

2,994(6% of total drivers)

3,166(9% of total fatalities)

Cell Phone in Use401(14% of D-A crashes)404(13% of distracted drivers)

434(14% of fatalities in D-A crashes)

Total

Source: FARS 2017 Annual Report File (ARF)

Table 2 presents data on drivers involved in fatal crashes in2017 by driver age. Eight percent (271 of 3,255) of drivers 15
to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were distracted at thetime of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportionof drivers within each respective age group who were distracted (column titled “Distracted Drivers: % of Total Drivers
in This Age Group”).

Table 2Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes by Age, Distraction, and Cell Phone Use, 2017
Total Drivers

Distracted Drivers

Drivers Using Cell Phones

Age Group

Number% of Total
Drivers

Number% of Total Drivers in % of All Distracted
This Age Group
Drivers

15–19

3,255

6%

271

8%

9%

63

23%

16%

20–29

12,086

23%

816

7%

27%

151

19%

37%

30–39

9,290

18%

557

6%

19%

86

15%

21%

40–49

7,944

15%

431

5%

14%

48

11%

12%

50–59

8,029

15%

360

4%

12%

33

9%

8%

60–69

5,562

11%

224

4%

7%

198%

5%

70+

4,911

9%

292

6%

10%

41%1%Total

52,274

100%

2,994

6%

100%

404

13%

100%

Number% of Distracted % of Drivers Using
Drivers
Cell Phones

Source: FARS 2017 ARF; Note: The total includes 62 drivers 14 and younger, 3 of whom were noted as distracted. Additionally, the total includes 1,135 of unknown age, 40 ofwhom were noted as distracted.

Comparing the percentage of drivers of each age involved in
fatal crashes to the percentage involved in distraction-affectedfatal crashes points to overrepresentation of drivers under 30.
This is seen by comparing the columns titled “Total Drivers:
Percent of Total Drivers” and “Distracted Drivers: Percent ofAll Distracted Drivers.” For all fatal crashes, 6 percent of thedrivers involved were 15 to 19 years old (3,255 of the 52,274).
However, 9 percent of the distracted drivers were 15 to 19
years old (271 of the 2,994 distracted drivers in fatal crashes).
Sixteen percent of all the distracted drivers using cell phones
were 15 to 19 years old (63 of the 404 cell-phone distracted

NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis

drivers in fatal crashes). Similarly, drivers in their 20s makeup 23 percent of drivers in fatal crashes, but are 27 percent of
the distracted drivers and 37 percent of the distracted drivers
who were using cell phones in fatal crashes.
The distributions of drivers by age for total drivers involved in
fatal crashes and percentage of distracted drivers involved in
fatal crashes, and distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes
and percentage of distracted drivers using cell phones during fatal crashes, are shown graphically in Figure 1a andFigure 1b.

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3Figure 1aTotal Drivers and Percentage of Distracted Drivers, by AgeGroup, 2017
15,00012,000Total Drivers% of Distracted Drivers

8%
7%

9,000

6%

6,000
3,000

5%

4%

4%

6%

15–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69

People Killed in All Crashes and Distraction-Affected
Crashes, by Person Type, 201710%8%

Person Type

6%

Total

All Fatalities
in Crashes

Percentageof All
Fatalities

37,133

100%

70+

2%
0Distracted Drivers and Percentage of Distracted Drivers
Using Cell Phone, by Age Group, 2017
1,000

Total Drivers% of Distracted Drivers
Using Cell Phones

19%
15%

600

11%

400
200
0271

816

100%

23,611

64%

1,832

58%

Passenger

6,534

18%

735

23%

Total
Occupants

30,145

81%

2,567

81%

Nonocccupants

Figure 1b

23%

3,166

Driver

Source: FARS 2017 ARF

800

Fatalities in Percentage ofDistraction- DistractionAffected
Affected
Crashes
Fatalities

Occupants

4%3,255 12,086 9,290 7,944 8,029 5,562 4,911

0Table 3557

431

25%
20%

Pedestrian

5,977

16%

497

16%

Pedalcyclist

783

2%

702%

Other

228

1%

321%

6,988

19%

599

19%TotalNonoccupants

Source: FARS 2017 ARF

15%
9%8%

360

224

15–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69

10%
292
1%
70+

5%
0

Source: FARS 2017 ARF

Table 3 shows the role of the people killed in distractionaffected crashes in 2017. The large majority of fatalities indistraction-affected crashes (and in all fatal crashes) weremotor vehicle occupants (including motorcyclists): 81 percent
for both distraction-affected fatal crashes and all fatal crashes.
The other victims were nonoccupants – pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and others. Distracted drivers were involved in thedeaths of 599 nonoccupants during 2017. It is unknown how
many of these nonoccupants were potentially distracted aswell. In general, looking at occupant type, the percentage offatalities in distraction-affected crashes is very similar to thatin all fatal crashes.

In 2017, 60 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes
were male as compared to 72 percent of drivers in all fatalcrashes.

Fatal Crashes and Distraction-Affected Crashes, byYear
Table 4 provides information for fatal crashes from 2013
through 2017. During this time period, the percentages of fatal
crashes that involved distraction fluctuated very little.
Table 4

Fatal Crashes and Distraction-Affected Crashes by Year,2013–2017
YearOverallCrashes

Distraction-AffectedCrashes(% of Total Crashes)

D-A Crashes Involving Cell
Phone Use(% of D-A Crashes)2013

30,202

2,923 (10%)

411 (14%)2014

30,056

2,972 (10%)

387 (13%)2015

32,5383,242 (10%)

453 (14%)2016

34,7483,197 (9%)

453 (14%)2017

34,2472,935 (9%)

401 (14%)

Source: FARS 2013–2016 Final, 2017 ARF

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Attribute Selection

Data Limitations

As discussed in the Methodology section of this Research Note,FARS was accessed to retrieve distraction-affected crashes.
Table A-1 contains every variable attribute available for coding for driver distraction along with examples to illustrate themeaning of the attribute. This is the coding scheme available
for FARS. Table A-1 further indicates whether that attribute
was included in the analysis for distraction-affected crashes.

NHTSA recognizes that there are limitations to the collectionand reporting of FARS data with regard to driver distraction.
The data for FARS are based on PARs and information gathered after the crashes have occurred.

In 2012 the variable attributes changed to account for different ways that State Police Accident Reports (PARs) describe
general categories of distraction, inattention, and carelessdriving. These additional attributes provide a more accurateclassification of the behavior indicated on the PAR.
If there are no indications of usage for distraction-affectedcrashes, the attribute was not considered as a type of distraction behavior and therefore not included in the analysis.

One noteworthy challenge for collection of distracted driving
data is the PAR itself. Police crash reports vary across jurisdictions, thus creating potential inconsistencies in reporting.
Many variables on the police accident report are nearly universal, but distraction is not one of those variables. Some PARs
identify distraction as a distinct reporting field, while others
do not have such a field and identification of distraction isbased upon the narrative portion of the report. The variationin reporting forms contributes to variation in the reported
number of distraction-affected crashes. Any national or State
count of distraction-affected crashes should be interpretedwith this limitation in mind due to potential underreportingin some States and overreporting in others.

Table A-1

Attributes Included in “Driver Distracted by” Element and Indication of Inclusion in Distraction-Affected Definitions,
FARS, 2013–2017
Attribute
Not distracted
Looked but did not see
No driver present/unknown if driverpresent
Not reported
Unknown if distracted
By other occupant
By a moving object in vehicle
While talking or listening to cellularphoneWhile manipulating cellular phone
Other cellular phone-related

While adjusting audio and/or climate
controls
While using other component/controls
integral to vehicle
While using or reaching for device/
object brought into vehicle
Distracted by outside person, object,or event
Eating or drinking
Smoking related
Distraction/Inattention
Distraction/CarelessExamplesNot Included
Completely attentive to driving; no indication of distraction or noted as Not Distracted
Driver paying attention to driving but does not see relevant vehicle, object, etc.
When no driver is in this vehicle or when it is unknown if there is a driver present in this vehicle at the time of thecrash
No field available on PAR; field on PAR left blank; no other information available
PAR specified states unknown
IncludedDistracted by occupant in driver’s vehicle; includes conversing with or looking at other occupant
Distracted by moving object in driver’s vehicle; includes dropped object, moving pet, insect, cargo.
Talking or listening on cellular phone; includes talking or listening on a “hands-free” or Bluetooth-enabled phone
Dialing or text messaging on cell phone or any wireless e-mail device; any manual button/control actuation onphone qualifies
Used when the police report indicated the driver is distracted from the driving task due to cellular phone
involvement, but none of the specified codes are applicable (e.g., reaching for cellular phone). This code is also
applied when specific details regarding cellular phone distraction/usage are not provided.
While adjusting air conditioner, heater, radio, cassette, using the radio, using the cassette or CD mounted intovehicle
Manipulating a control in the vehicle including adjusting headlamps, interior lights, controlling windows, doorlocks, mirrors, seats, steering wheels, on-board navigational devices, etc.
Radar detector, CDs, razors, music portable CD player, headphones, a navigational device, a laptop or tablet PC,etc.; if unknown if device is brought into vehicle or integral, use Object Brought Into Vehicle.
Animals on roadside or previous crash, non-traffic related signs. Do not use when driver has recognized object/
event and driver has taken evasive action.
Eating or drinking or actively related to these actions
Smoking or activity related to smoking
Used exclusively when “distraction/inattention” or “inattention/distraction” are noted in case material as one
combined attribute
Used exclusively when “distraction/careless” or “careless/distraction” are note in case material as one combined
attribute

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Table A-1

Attributes Included in “Driver Distracted by” Element and Indication of Inclusion in Distraction-Affected Definitions,FARS, 2013–2017 (continued)
Attribute
Careless/Inattentive
Distraction (distracted), details
unknown
Inattention (inattentive), details
unknown
Lost in thought/daydreaming
Other Distraction

ExamplesUsed exclusively when “careless/inattentive” or “inattentive/careless” are noted in case material as one combined
attribute
Used when “distraction” or “distracted” are noted in case material, but specific distraction(s) cannot be identified
Used when “inattention” or “inattentive” are noted in the case material but it cannot be identified if this refers to a
distraction
Used when the driver is not completely attentive to driving because he/she is thinking about items other than thedriving task.
Used when details regarding this driver’s distraction are known but none of the specified codes are applicable.

The following are potential reasons for underreporting ofdistraction-affected crashes.
■■ There are negative implications associated with distracted

driving—especially in conjunction with a crash. Survey
research shows that self-reporting of negative behavior
is lower than actual occurrence of that negative behavior.
There is no reason to believe that self-reporting of distracted driving to a law enforcement officer would differ.
The inference is that the reported driver distraction duringcrashes is lower than the actual occurrence.
■■ If a driver fatality occurs in the crash, law enforcement

must rely on the crash investigation in order to report onwhether driver distraction was involved. Law enforcement
may not have information to indicate distraction. These
investigations may rely on witness account and oftentimes
these accounts may not be available either.

Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) contains dataon every fatal traffic crash within the 50 States, the District ofColumbia, and Puerto Rico. To be included in FARS, a crash must
involve a motor vehicle traveling on a public trafficway and must
result in the death of a vehicle occupant or a nonoccupant within
30 days of the crash. The Annual Report File (ARF) is the FARS
data file associated with the most recent available year, which issubject to change when it is finalized about a year later. The final
version of the file is aptly known as the Final file. The additionaltime between the ARF and the Final file provides the opportu-■■ Technologies are changing at a rapid speed and it is dif-ficult to update the PAR to accommodate these changes.
Without broad-sweeping changes to the PAR to incorporate new technologies and features of technologies, it is difficult to capture the data that involve interaction with thesedevices.
The following is a challenge in quantifying external distractions.
■■ In the reporting of distraction-affected crashes, oftentimes

external distractions are identified as a distinct type of distraction. Some of the scenarios captured under external
distractions might actually be related to the task of driving(e.g., looking at a street sign). However, the crash reports
may not differentiate these driving-related tasks fromother external distractions (looking at previous crash or
billboard). Currently, the category of external distractions
is included in the counts of distraction-affected crashes.
nity for submission of important variable data requiring outside
sources, which may lead to changes in the final counts.
The updated final counts for a given previous calendar year will
be reflected with the release of the recent year’s ARF. For example,
along with the release of the 2017 ARF, the 2016 Final file was also
released to replace the previous year’s 2016 ARF. The final fatality count in motor vehicle crashes for 2016 was 37,806, which wasupdated from 37,461 from the 2016 ARF. The number of fatal distraction-affected crashes from the 2016 Final file was 3,197, which
was updated from 3,157 from the 2016 ARF.

Suggested APA Format Citation for this document:
National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2019, April). Distracted
driving in fatal crashes, 2017. (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note.
Report No. DOT HS 812 700). Washington, DC: National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration.

This research note and other general information on
highway traffic safety may be found at: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/#/.
NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis

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