Drivers are engaging in risky phone behavior more frequently on Mother’s Day, according to a study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT). The company, which works with 21 major U.S. auto insurers, reported that handheld phone calls increase by 6.6% on this day compared to other Sundays.
Screen interaction also sees a significant rise of 12.5%. CMT highlighted that nearly one-third of road accidents occur within a minute of phone interaction. Crashes happening within ten seconds of a handheld call tend to occur at speeds 31% higher than those without phone involvement.
The study found that the use of handheld devices instead of vehicle audio systems spikes by 22% between 7 and 9 a.m. on Mother’s Day. This elevated level remains, being 13.4% higher through 2 p.m., peaking around 8 p.m.
Distraction levels begin increasing as early as 6 a.m., possibly due to drivers making brunch plans. The most notable increase in distraction occurs between 9 a.m. and noon before gradually declining throughout the afternoon until normal levels resume around 8 p.m.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2023, distracted driving led to the deaths of 3,275 people and injured approximately 324,819 individuals in traffic accidents. It was involved in 8% of all fatal crashes and accounted for 13% of all crashes that year.
The NHTSA defines distracted driving as “anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” Distracted driving can also affect car insurance premiums; Insurify reports average rates are about 45% higher for drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.
