April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s a timely reminder of how important it is to stay focused behind the wheel. Every year, millions of Americans are involved in car accidents caused by distracted driving, many of which lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. It’s a serious issue, and it goes beyond just texting and driving. Distracted driving includes anything that takes your attention away from the road.

In this guide, we’ll break down Louisiana’s distracted driving laws, examine statewide and national distracted driving statistics, and provide practical tips to help you stay safe on the road.

What Is Distracted Driving?

A lot of times, when people think of distracted driving, they think of texting. While using a cell phone behind the wheel is one of the most common types of distracted driving, it’s just one of many examples.

Distracted driving happens any time something takes your attention away from the task of driving. This includes any activity that poses a physical or mental distraction. Even something as harmless seeming as daydreaming or talking to a passenger can be a dangerous distraction.

The Four Types of Distracted Driving

While there are many different examples of driving distractions, they fall into four main categories:

1. Visual Distractions

Visual distractions occur any time a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a moment. These distractions are especially dangerous, as they prevent drivers from noticing changes in traffic, road signs, or potential hazards ahead.

Examples of visual distractions include:

Looking at a cell phone to read or send a text
Using a cell phone to scroll social media, take videos, or view photos
Looking at or reading a billboard or sign
Turning to check on kids, pets, or passengers in the back seat
Checking a GPS or navigation device while driving
Looking at roadside accidents or scenery

2. Manual Distractions

Manual distractions happen when you take one or both hands off the steering wheel to engage in a non-driving activity. These distractions reduce your control over the vehicle and increase the chance of swerving, overcorrecting, or failing to react in time.

Some examples of manual distractions include:

Holding a cell phone to talk or text
Eating or drinking while driving
Adjusting the radio, air conditioning, or GPS
Reaching for items on the floor or in the back seat
Smoking or vaping
Grooming or applying makeup

3. Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive (or mental) distractions happen when a driver's mind is not focused on driving. Even if your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the wheel, mental distractions can delay reaction times and impair judgment. In fact, studies have shown that cognitive distractions are just as dangerous as manual distractions, as they can slow reaction times and impair decision-making.

Cognitive driving distractions include:

Daydreaming or being lost in thought
Talking to passengers
Worrying about personal problems or stressful situations
Listening too intently to podcasts or audiobooks
Mentally planning your day or replaying past events

4. Auditory Distractions

Auditory distractions are sounds that divert a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. These can cause a driver to miss important auditory cues, such as sirens, honking, or even mechanical issues with their vehicle.

Some common auditory distractions include:

Loud music or bass-heavy audio
Talking on the phone
Phone call notifications or alerts
GPS navigation instructions (especially if too loud or confusing)
Conversations or arguments happening inside the car
Noisy passengers or pets

Is Distracted Driving Common in Louisiana?

Distracted driving is very common across the United States, including Louisiana. In fact, Louisiana consistently ranks among the top states for distracted driving-related accidents. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, distracted driving is a significant factor in the state's high number of car accidents. In 2023, nearly a quarter (22%) of all traffic-related fatalities in Louisiana were the result of inattention or distracted driving.

Here are some more eye-opening distracted driving statistics:

According to a recent report, Louisiana has the third-highest distracted driving rate in the nation, following New Mexico and Kansas.
In 2023 alone, 3,275 people died in distracted driving-related traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that, in 2023, distracted driving was among the four main contributing factors in all traffic fatalities, along with alcohol/drug impairment, seatbelt use, and aggressive driving.
Data from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) found that, in 2024, Louisiana saw a total of 19,948 accidents related to distracted driving. Of these accidents, 180 were fatal and 19,768 resulted in known or suspected injuries.

These statistics prove that distracted driving isn’t just a problem in Louisiana; it’s an epidemic across the entire country. Despite the known risks, people continue to drive while distracted—often with tragic results.

Louisiana Distracted Driving Laws

In Louisiana, laws have been implemented to help curb the prevalence of distracted driving. Under Louisiana Revised Statute §32:300.5, it's illegal for any driver to use a wireless telecommunications device (e.g., a cell phone) to write, send, or read text-based communications or access, read, or post to social networking sites. This law applies to all drivers operating a vehicle on public roads and highways.

The state enforces even stricter rules in school zones. According to Louisiana Revised Statute §32:300.8, during posted school zone hours, drivers are prohibited from using a wireless telecommunications device to engage in a call, unless the device is hands-free; write, send, or read text-based communications; or access, read, or post to social networking sites.

The penalties for violating Louisiana’s distracted driving laws can be severe, ranging from $500 – $1,000 in fines to a mandatory 60-day driver’s license suspension. If a driver causes a crash because they are distracted, the fines are doubled.

Simple Steps You Can Take to Prevent Distracted Driving

Because we drive so often, it tends to become second-nature. Many people forget just how dangerous it is to operate a motor vehicle, and it’s easy to get distracted by a text message, a conversation with a passenger, or even thinking about a bad day at work. However, the best and easiest way to avoid distracted driving is to simply stay focused on the road. This means putting your cell phone away, keeping the radio at a reasonable volume, and always prioritizing the task at hand: driving.

Here are some practical steps you can take to reduce distractions while driving:

Silence Cell Phone Notifications: Set your phone to silent or even put it on “Do Not Disturb” mode to block notifications and calls. If you need to make or take a call, pull over safely before doing so. Even hands-free devices can be distracting, especially if you are trying to look up a contact or find an existing text chain.
Map Your Route Before You Drive: Avoid distractions from Google Maps, Apple Maps, or GPS systems by entering your destination before you start driving. If you need to change directions, pull over first. Remember, going on your phone—even to check or change your directions—is not safe while you’re driving.
Secure Your Kids and Pets: If you're driving with pets, make sure they’re safely secured in a carrier or pet seat belt. Pets roaming freely in the car can be a significant distraction and might even endanger your ability to drive. And, if you have children in the car, always make sure they are securely fastened in the appropriate car seat or booster seat. Avoid looking back or reaching for dropped toys, snacks, etc.
Avoid Stressful Conversations: Try to avoid loud, stressful conversations or arguments while driving. Such interactions can not only be upsetting but can also make it harder to hear things like sirens or car horns. This goes for in-person conversations and talking on the phone, even if you’re using a hands-free device.
Take Breaks If You're Drowsy: If you're feeling fatigued, pull over and take a break. Just like distracted driving, driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch Out for Other Drivers: Always keep your eyes on the road and be alert to your surroundings. Even if you’re not distracted, other drivers might be.

How to Prove a Driver Was Distracted After an Accident

Distracted driving-related accidents are common but proving that the other driver was distracted can be challenging. If you were involved in a car accident caused by distracted driving, there are several things that can help support your case.

Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can be crucial in proving that the other driver was distracted. Passengers in your vehicle or other drivers may have seen the distracted behavior. If you can, talk to anyone who saw what happened and get their name, contact information, and a brief statement.
Traffic Cameras and Surveillance Footage: If an accident occurs near a traffic light or an intersection with a camera, the footage may show the driver’s behavior leading up to the collision. An experienced car accident lawyer can assist you in obtaining and reviewing this footage, if it exists.
Phone Records: If the driver was texting or using a cell phone at the time of the crash, phone records or forensic evidence from the phone may be able to prove they were distracted. Again, your attorney can help you obtain this evidence by requesting the other driver’s cell phone records at the time of the incident.
Accident Reconstruction: In some cases, expert accident reconstructionists can rebuild the crash to analyze it and provide evidence that the other driver’s actions were inconsistent with safe driving. Things like swerving or failing to brake in time could indicate that they were distracted.

If you were injured or if your loved one passed away due to a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our experienced Louisiana car accident attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.