texting phone

Distracted Driving

In 2023, distracted or inattentive driving fatalities represented 22% of all fatalities and 32% of suspected serious injuries.*

*Source: CARTS SHSP Person Dashboard

Louisiana’s working definition for distracted driving is: A distracted or inattentive driver is one who is actively engaged in any activity that diverts their attention away from the task of driving. The distraction could be manual, visual, or cognitive and be inside or outside the vehicle.

Police stop

Distracted Driving 2025 Action Steps

  Status
Educate stakeholders and legislators on the benefits of hands-free cell phone use. completed
Law enforcement agencies participate in a one-week Back to School Enforcement (B2S) campaign. in progress
Collect and submit the citation data from the B2S campaign. completed
Update and share the DZD Distracted Driving Lesson Plan. in progress

Completed completed    In Progress in progress    Other other

  • Share regional specific data fact sheets with legislators and ask them to speak at a coalition meeting.
    OP ID DD
  • Provide education outreach during LSU Ag Center’s 2025 4-H University
    OP ID DD
  • Provide education outreach on statewide “Buckle Up Phone Down” initiative
    OP ID
  • Share regional specific Fatalities and Suspected Serious Injuries data with stakeholders.
    OP ID DD
  • Document regional initiatives on DZD social media platforms.
    OP ID DD IO
  • Update regional distribution list and upload to DZD google drive.
    OP ID DD IO
  • Participate in an event with a stakeholder agency.
    OP ID DD IO
  • Collaborate to develop joint messaging projects:
    Q1 Traffic Safety, Q2 Heatstroke Prevention, Q3 Back to School, Q4 Holiday Travel.
  • Share LA DZD "Less Crying and No More Dying" presentation with available audiences
    OP ID DD IO

For additional action plan details, contact autumn.goodfellow-thompson@la.gov.

Read our Strategic Highway Safety Plan