Each year, distracted driving causes an estimated 2.5 million crashes and thousands of preventable deaths around the globe, making it one of the most critical safety challenges facing the motoring public and physical operations. This danger is particularly significant for commercial drivers, who can face these risks daily. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on the profound impact of this behavior on drivers, organizations, and overall community safety. 

Today, Samsara released its newest State of Connected Operations Report–Behind the Wheel: Distracted Driving in Physical Operations. Drawing from an independent survey of more than 1,500 commercial drivers—who collectively have nearly 15,000 years of driving experience across 21 industries in seven countries—the report reveals the realities of distracted driving, the solutions drivers say work best, and how safety technology and policies can help create safer roads for everyone.

This report is unique because it is informed by professional drivers with nearly 15,000 years of combined driving experience. Their countless hours on the road and years of observing distractions firsthand fills a critical gap in our understanding of the true impact of distracted driving, and the best ways to stop it. Some key findings include:

• Distracted driving directly impacts nearly all commercial drivers: A striking 93% of commercial drivers report personally experiencing the effects of distracted driving, including vehicle damage, personal injury, fines, and license suspensions, to name a few. In the last year alone, a staggering 79% of drivers reported experiencing a "close call" or near-miss due to distraction. 

• Proactively addressing distracted driving is a major factor in driver retention: Drivers are overwhelmingly in favor of staying at organizations that foster a strong culture of safety, with 90% of drivers reporting they are more likely to stay with companies that take concrete steps to prevent distracted driving. This reinforces the importance of these policies for overall safety and long-term workforce stability. 

• Drivers want AI and other supportive technologies to combat distractions: Accurate, AI-powered detection systems are the #1 technology drivers want to help mitigate distractions while driving. This indicates a positive shift in drivers' perception of AI, signaling a growing trust in its power to enhance safety and provide proactive support.

Read on to preview top insights from the report, and download the full report to discover which safety technologies and policies are driving safer roads and transforming driver behavior.

Mobile devices are essential for drivers' work, but safety remains the top priority

Staying focused behind the wheel remains a persistent challenge, with 76% of drivers reporting frequent distractions from personal mobile devices while driving. This issue spans all levels of experience, impacting both new and veteran drivers alike. The most common distractions include reading or sending messages (32%), making calls (29%), and checking social media (29%)—highlighting this as a key area for safety enhancement. 

However, work-related technology also contributes significantly to driver distractions. 74% of drivers report needing to use phones or other technology for job-related tasks while on the road, revealing how job demands can conflict with even the most well-intentioned driver. To help them reduce work-related mobile usage while driving, drivers identify their top three solutions as improving communication systems to limit work-related calls and messages (44%), better in-cab routing and navigation (43%), and implementing policies that prioritize safety over speed (42%). 

Supportive technologies that address these needs are essential. Tools like Samsara’s Driver App, which leverages real-time vehicle telematics and driver engagement settings to disable or mute notifications when the vehicle is in motion, are essential for translating driver feedback into tangible safety enhancements.

Investments in technology and training lead to higher driver retention and improved driving habits

A strong commitment to safety is crucial for driver retention, as 90% of drivers are more likely to stay with companies that proactively work to prevent distractions. To encourage safer behaviors, drivers overwhelmingly prefer positive reinforcement, such as recognition and incentives (82%), over penalties. 

Technology plays a central role in promoting that safety. When asked about the technologies they wanted most to mitigate distractions, the top technology drivers wished for was accurate, AI-powered detection and alerts (54%). Onboard monitoring systems are also seen as effective—a notable 65% trust onboard systems that monitor for distracted driving and provide real-time alerts. This strong driver buy-in and broad industry acceptance reinforces the effectiveness of these technologies in reducing distractions and improving overall road safety.

Dash cam footage also serves as a powerful tool for active driver learning, with 93% of drivers reporting increased awareness of distractions after viewing their footage. 60% modified their driving habits after seeing their dash cam footage, highlighting the value of dash camera technology in promoting safer driving and a stronger safety culture. 

Training continues to play a critical role in improving safety, with 95% of drivers reporting improved driving habits following such programs. Digital platforms have emerged as the preferred training method, favored by 64% of drivers, pointing to a growing demand for flexible, technology-driven solutions that can scale.

Drivers see a future where technology and policy work together to keep them safe

Drivers envision a safer future through a balanced approach that integrates technology, training, and regulation. They identified mandatory driver education (49%), public awareness campaigns (48%), and stricter enforcement of hands-free laws (47%) as the most effective current policies or regulations against distracted driving—showing a preference for education-first strategies.

At the same time, drivers are advocating for policy changes that make in-vehicle safety features a requirement. Nearly half (49%) support regulations mandating in-cab safety alerts to help prevent distracted driving. They also point to the importance of increased fines or penalties and stricter rules for commercial drivers—such as more frequent breaks or longer rest periods—as meaningful ways policy can deter risky behavior.

Government support is another important contributor in the effort to reduce distracted driving. When asked which types of support or incentives would be most helpful, drivers’ top responses included funding for driver education and safety programs (48%), subsidies for adopting vehicle safety technology (48%), and monetary incentives for companies that implement anti-distracted driving programs (47%). These findings highlight a broad recognition that addressing distracted driving requires shared responsibility—combining policy-driven solutions with individual accountability and organizational support. 

To find out more about what drivers themselves reveal in Behind the Wheel: Distracted Driving in Physical Operations, download the full report.