Distracted Driving and the Consequences of Divided Attention
From checking texts to scrolling social media, digital distractions behind the wheel are everywhere. To better understand what’s competing for drivers’ attention, Life360 analyzed more than 60 billion data points from their user driving behavior in 2025 and surveyed 1,000 licensed U.S. drivers across generations.
Tech is the new backseat driver
Life360 found that, across all age groups, 86% of drivers admit they’ve been distracted by technology while driving; texting remains a cross-generational problem with more than half of millennials and over a quarter of Gen X drivers acknowledging they text while driving.
Of Gen Z drivers, 42% watch online videos while driving and 37% scroll social media behind the wheel.
Multitasking is a top distraction
Phones aren’t the only distraction.
- Getting ready: 27% of drivers say they’ve changed clothes, shaved, applied makeup or even painted their nails while driving—rising to more than 50% among Gen Z.
- Eating: 72% admit to attempting difficult-to-eat meals like BBQ ribs or hot soup.
- Taking photos and videos: 74% say filming videos or creating social media content while driving is their most embarrassing distraction of all.
Some of these behaviors may feel routine or harmless in the moment—but the consequences can be severe. On average, Life360 detects 2,000 collisions every single day.
It’s not just digital—it’s emotional
Distraction isn’t always visible.
1 in 5 drivers say stress from work or school—or a heated exchange with a friend or partner—affects their focus behind the wheel.
Cognitive distraction slows reaction time, narrows awareness and increases the likelihood of risky decisions. Even when both hands are on the wheel, attention may be elsewhere.
Shifting Gears Toward Safer Habits
Safer roads start with awareness. It creates an opportunity for accountability, meaningful conversation and ultimately safer driving behaviors and habits.
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