Distracted Driving Awareness Month: The Importance of Attention in School Zones

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on how everyday distractions affect road safety, especially where children are present, such as in school zones and around school buses.

Distracted driving continues to be a serious safety concern, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting that distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023. In addition, data from the National Safety Council shows that an average of nine people lose their lives each day in crashes involving distracted driving.

While distracted driving can occur anywhere, school zones are among the most complex environments on the road and require drivers’ full attention. During arrival and dismissal times, drivers must navigate increased traffic, buses, pedestrians, and students traveling to and from school.

Distractions Are Increasing for Everyone on the Road

Technology and daily routines have introduced more opportunities for distraction, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians. A recent survey of 2,000 parents and caregivers found that student distractions in school zones are common. In fact, 75% of respondents reported seeing a distracted student in a school zone.

Distracted pedestrian behaviors respondents observed included:

• 75% texting
• 55% listening to music
• 54% crossing without looking both ways
• 53% distracted by peers
• 53% talking on a cell phone

These behaviors highlight the need for drivers to ensure everyone’s safety by remaining vigilant in school zones. Students walking to and from school may be listening to music, communicating with friends, or navigating their morning routines – activities that can reduce their situational awareness.

Distracted Driving Remains a Major Concern

Unfortunately, not all drivers are paying attention. Survey respondents also reported witnessing concerning behaviors from drivers in school zones.

Distracted driver behaviors observed include:

• 57% speeding
• 54% talking on a cell phone
• 44% texting
• 37% passing a school bus with its stop-arm extended
• 26% distracted by others in the vehicle

These observations align with broader national trends. A 2025 Verra Mobility survey reported that 85% of Americans said distracted driving is just as dangerous, or more dangerous, than drinking and driving, and 63% believe the average driver’s behavior has worsened in recent years.

At the same time, there is often a disconnect between how drivers view their own behavior and what they observe on the road. For example, 65% of drivers say they have not driven distracted in the past year, despite research indicating that most drivers engage in at least one unsafe driving behavior.

Why School Zones Require Extra Attention

School zones present unique challenges because they involve a mix of drivers, buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists – all during a busy and often stressful time of day. Children in particular can behave unpredictably, and just a few moments of distraction – whether from drivers or pedestrians – can greatly increase the risk of a tragedy occurring.

This is one reason why school zones are among the areas where communities have shown the strongest support for safety initiatives. A recent survey showed that 77% of parents and caregivers support automated speed enforcement in school zones, and 96% support automated school bus stop-arm enforcement.

Keeping School Zones Safer

Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a reminder that attention behind the wheel matters, especially in areas where children are present. As distractions continue to evolve with technology and modern lifestyles, maintaining focus in school zones is crucial to protecting children – our most vulnerable road users.