Video highlights dangers of distracted driving

Caltrans is sharing the winning video of its ‘Get Off Your Apps’ contest to help spread the message of the dangers of distracted driving.

In this year’s California Traffic Safety Survey, more than 70% of respondents identified distracted driving because of texting as their biggest traffic safety concern on California roadways, according to Caltrans.

In 2020, more than 3,000 people were killed and 400,000 were injured throughout the country in crashes involving a distracted driver, accounting for 8% of all traffic deaths. Those numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

“The consequences of distracted driving can be devastating and deadly," said Tony Tavares, Caltrans Director. "Our goal with this contest is to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety. We hope all Californians will join us and help keep our families, friends and communities safer by putting their phones down and focusing on the road when they drive.”