A text, call, or quick glance at a phone — that’s all it takes to cause a car accident
Distracted drivers are 240 percent more likely to cause car accidents, according to a new traffic safety study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
"We have the tools to save thousands of lives,” GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins said in the report. “What we need now is action. The advanced analytics we outline are validated, predictive, and provide a level of foresight that past generations of safety leaders could only imagine. This is a call for government, community, and corporate leaders to work together to help us move boldly into a new era of road safety."
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Distracted driving takes a driver’s focus away from what matters most: the road ahead. A text, a call, or a glance at social media might seem harmless, but those few seconds can lead to tragedy. At highway speeds, looking down for just 3 seconds means traveling the length of a football field without watching the road.
Some of the most common risks linked to distracted driving include:
- Slower reaction times – Drivers using phones often fail to brake or swerve in time to avoid a collision with stopped traffic, a pedestrian, or a cyclist.
- Visual distraction – Eyes are locked onto a screen rather than on the road.
- Erratic driving – Distracted drivers may drift between lanes, tailgate, or stop too suddenly.
- Missed warnings – Horns, flashing brake lights, and changing signals often go unnoticed because they are paying attention.
- Cognitive overload – Dividing focus between a device and driving reduces the ability to recognize and respond to potential hazards.
Every second of attention counts. Research consistently shows that distracted driving — whether from texting, talking, or even adjusting GPS — can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. In both cases, the driver’s ability to react and make safe decisions is compromised, resulting in a serious crash.
Maryland distracted driving statistics
Distracted driving is a leading cause of serious traffic accidents across Maryland. Each year, distracted drivers cause more than 50,000 accidents in Maryland, resulting in more than 18,000 injuries and roughly 200 deaths per year, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA).
Many of these crashes occur on major corridors such as I-95, I-495, and U.S. Route 50, and even a momentary distraction can trigger multi-vehicle collisions. Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Rockville see especially high numbers of rear-end and intersection crashes tied to texting and phone use.
Despite Maryland’s strict hands-free law, distracted driving remains one of the top contributing factors in serious injury and fatal crashes. The MDOT MVA reports that young drivers, particularly those under 35, are involved in a large number of phone-related crashes, a reminder that awareness and enforcement remain critical in Maryland.
What is Maryland’s hands-free law?
Maryland law prohibits the use of a handheld phone while driving. Under Maryland Transportation Article §21-1124.2, drivers may not hold or support a phone to read, send, or write a text message or to make a call. Hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or voice-activated systems, is permitted, but only if it allows the driver to give their full attention to driving.
For drivers under 18, Maryland’s laws are even stricter. Younger drivers are banned from using any electronic device (handheld or hands-free) while operating a motor vehicle, except in an emergency. Commercial drivers are also subject to federal restrictions that prohibit phone use while driving.
Violations can result in fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance costs. More importantly, if a driver causes a crash while using a phone, that violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a civil personal injury lawsuit. Breaking Maryland’s distracted driving law is not only illegal; it's also dangerous. It can make the at-fault driver financially responsible for the harm they cause to others.
How to combat distracted driving
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), addressing distracted driving requires a combination of education, enforcement, and technology. Everyone from policymakers to employers to individual drivers has a role to play in keeping Maryland roads safe.
Some of the most effective distracted driving prevention strategies include:
- Enhanced enforcement – Consistent ticketing and publicized enforcement campaigns deter risky behavior.
- Public education – School programs and awareness campaigns to remind drivers that one glance can cost a life.
- Employer safety policies – Companies can require employees to use “Do Not Disturb” modes on phones or pull over before using devices.
- Technology improvements – Phone features that silence notifications while driving can help prevent temptation.
- Community partnerships – Collaboration between state agencies, law enforcement, and local organizations strengthens outreach.
As GHSA emphasizes, “no text, call, or notification is worth a crash.” Staying focused behind the wheel is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and deaths on Maryland’s roads.
Goldberg Finnegan helps injured crash victims demand justice
After a car accident, you may be left dealing with medical bills, missed work, and pressure from insurance companies to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible. That's when having a skilled lawyer can help protect your rights and secure full compensation for your losses. A personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the crash to obtain phone records, dashcam footage, witness statements, and any other important evidence.
- Work with experts in accident reconstruction to uncover what caused your collision.
- Handle all communication with insurance adjusters and defense lawyers.
- Document your financial losses, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or file a lawsuit to recover the maximum compensation you deserve under Maryland law.
At Goldberg Finnegan, our Maryland attorneys understand how devastating distracted driving crashes can be for victims and families. We know how to build strong cases using evidence, expert analysis, and proven legal strategies.
If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver in Maryland — whether they were texting, speeding, or driving recklessly — contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Maryland car accident attorney who knows what it takes to get results. We’ll explain your rights, handle every step of the legal process, and fight to hold the negligent driver accountable.
“Goldberg Finnegan is the place to take your auto accident problems to, even the most challenging of them. I'll recommend this auto law firm any day, all the time. Thanks for all you did for me.” – Anthonia A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐