MEDIA RELEASE: National Distracted Driving Awareness Month Puts Focus Back on Road Safety

Last Updated: 4/1/2026

April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, highlighting the serious and preventable dangers of distracted driving. Distractions while driving such as texting, phone use, eating, or adjusting in-vehicle controls, such as the radio, take attention away from the road and significantly increase the risk of crashes.

In New York State, driver distraction contributed to more than 49,500 traffic crashes in 2024, including 105 fatal crashes, according to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research. In Tioga County, according to our 2025-2030 Community Health Assessment, more than 1,000 motor vehicle crashes occur each year, highlighting the critical need for continued traffic safety education and prevention efforts.

Throughout the month of April and ongoingly, drivers are encouraged to commit to distraction-free driving by avoiding common distractions while driving, including:

• Texting or using a phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting navigation, music, or vehicle controls
• Applying makeup or grooming

Tioga County Public Health also reminds drivers that New York State law prohibits the use of hand-held mobile phones or portable electronic devices while driving. Drivers should always keep their full attention on the road and their hands on the wheel. If you need to use your phone or address something that takes your attention away from driving, pull over safely before doing so. These distractions not only increase the risk of crashes and injuries but can also result in traffic tickets and fines.

Staying focused and distraction free behind the wheel helps protect drivers, passengers, and everyone who shares the road. This April and going forward, make the commitment to drive distraction-free and encourage others to do the same—safer roads start with each of us.

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