Vermont Business Magazine April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Vermont highway safety advocates are launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort from April 9-13, 2026, to remind drivers of the deadly dangers of being distracted behind the wheel. Vermont law enforcement will join a nationwide effort to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving.
To support this effort, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) State Highway Safety Office (SHSO) held a Distracted Driving Press Conference today at Cyclewise in New Haven, VT. Representatives from Cyclewise, AAA, the SHSO, and Vermont’s local, county, and state law enforcement spoke about the dangers of distracted driving, provided safe-driving tips, and answered questions. The goal of this press conference was to bring together public and private stakeholders who dedicate their work to keeping Vermont’s roads safer for all road users, and to raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving.
Cell phone use, texting, and other activities that do not contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted driving. Texting while driving is illegal in almost every U.S. state. According to NHTSA, in 2022, 3,308 people were killed and 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Data collection limitations show, however, that these figures are likely lower than the real figures.
In Vermont, during the past five years (2021-2025), there were 34 fatalities attributed to distracted driving; 9.8% of all vehicle-related fatalities in Vermont involved a distracted driver. In the last 10 years (2016-2025), 74 fatalities on Vermont roads were caused by a distracted driver. In that same period, distracted driving was a factor in 11.3% of all crash-related fatalities in Vermont.
“Distracted driving—primarily from cell phone use—remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” said DMV Chief Inspector Scott Davidson. “It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement, and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences.”
Drive Safe Every Trip
NHTSA and the SHSO urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive:
- If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that cannot wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device.
- Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
- Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle.
For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving and https://drivewell.vermont.gov/distracted-driving/.
4.8.2026. Vermont Agency of Transportation vtrans.vermont.gov
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