68% of Drivers Overconfident Despite Averaging 37% of 27 Distractions
Mercury Insurance research finds drivers engage in an average of 37% of 27 common distracted driving behaviors annually, while 68% report confidence in multitasking behind the wheel and only 8% avoid distractions entirely. In Alabama, drivers report 45% of these behaviors and related fatalities rose 67.5% from 2018 to 2023.
1. Research Findings
Mercury Insurance research reveals that drivers engage in an average of 37% of 27 tracked distracted driving behaviors each year, yet 68% believe they can safely multitask and only 8% report avoiding distractions entirely.
2. State Variations
Drivers in Alabama report engaging in 45% of the surveyed behaviors—well above the national average—while fatalities linked to distracted driving in the state increased by 67.5% from 2018 through 2023.
3. Insurance Risk Impact
Overconfidence in multitasking behind the wheel is identified as a risk multiplier that contributes to increased claims frequency and severity, driving up costs for insurers and policyholders alike.
4. Risk Reduction Recommendations
Mercury Insurance advises drivers to put phones away, set navigation before driving, avoid eating or grooming behind the wheel, and focus solely on driving to mitigate distracted behavior risks.