2026 driving behavior trends: How insurance agents can advocate for safer roads

Today’s drivers overwhelmingly agree,  driving has become more dangerous. Our recent survey polled both personal and commercial drivers, and all reported other drivers acting more aggressively, driving more recklessly, and looking at their phones more often when compared to 12 months ago. We asked a panel of experts to weigh in on these trends. Their responses reveal that while vehicles are getting smarter and show promise for improvement, drivers are still becoming more distracted. This gives agents an opportunity to advocate for safer roads, not just with their clients, but lawmakers as well. 

Our panel includes: 

• Ken Anderson, Risk Management Technical Director for Business Auto, Nationwide 

• Brian Halaiko, Sr. Director, Government Relations, Nationwide 

• Katy Ringeman, National Practice Leader, Personal Lines, Relation Insurance 

Our research shows drivers continue to feel that driving has become more dangerous. How have you seen drivers’ attitudes shift?

Ken Anderson: Over the past few years, I’ve seen a clear shift in how commercial drivers think about risk on the road. Many are more anxious than ever, and the data backs that up. Over the last several years, U.S. roadway fatality rates have jumped roughly 22% versus prepandemic levels.¹  Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the US, making up 25% of all worker deaths.² Our driver behavior research has shown that employees who drive as part of their job responsibilities are increasingly worried about being injured or killed in a crash. That’s a powerful signal that the driving environment feels less predictable and more stressful than it used to. 

Several factors are driving this sentiment: more congested roadways, rising distraction levels among all drivers, and an increase in severe crashes. When drivers feel that risk is heightened, they tend to become more aware of safety expectations and more receptive to tools like telematics, coaching, and continuous MVR monitoring. So, while the environment may feel riskier, that heightened awareness is creating opportunities for better safety engagement — if employers capitalize on it. 

Brian Halaiko: Drivers believe things are getting worse, not better. Nationwide’s latest driving behaviors survey shows that 90% of consumers report other drivers have become more aggressive, 87% say more reckless, and 91% say they’re seeing more phone use behind the wheel compared to just 12 months ago.³ 

And it’s not just passenger vehicle drivers noticing this. As Ken said, commercial drivers, who spend their entire working day on the road, are sounding an even louder alarm. Compared to 2025, we’ve seen a 10-point jump in the share of commercial drivers who say passenger vehicle operators are more distracted and more reckless, and a 15-point increase in those who say passenger vehicle drivers don’t drive safely around commercial vehicles. When the people with the most road experience are telling us behavior is deteriorating faster, we have to take that seriously. 

But we now also have evidence that passing strong hands-free laws significantly reduces accidents and fatalities in states. In the two years since enforcement of Ohio’s primary distracted driving law began on October 5, 2023, traffic fatalities have dropped 11% when compared to the two years before enforcement began.⁴ Iowa passed a law last year and saw 27% fewer traffic deaths compared to 2024.⁵ We know that these laws work. 

From a public policy standpoint, what I find most encouraging is that 84% of consumers actually support state legislation to prohibit hand-held phone use while driving.⁶ There’s a real disconnect between public will and legislative action in many states, and that’s where carriers and agents can play a meaningful role in closing that gap. 

Katy Ringeman: Over the last few years, I’ve seen a clear shift from confidence to caution, and in some cases, outright stress, behind the wheel. Many drivers tell us they’re encountering more unpredictability day-to-day: heavier congestion at non-traditional hours, more distraction, and more aggressive driving behaviors. They also are more aware of their exposure and are asking more questions about coverage, limits, and liability. 

We see a few consistent themes: 

• More concern about distracted and aggressive drivers, and a feeling that “rules don’t get enforced like they used to.” 

• More awareness of claim severity: even “minor” accidents can create major disruption due to repair complexity, medical costs, and longer cycle times. 

• A stronger desire for support and guidance: clients want practical, realistic steps they can implement, not just general safety reminders. 

When it comes to preventing risks, what are some actions you advocate for?

Ken Anderson: I often remind business owners that fleet safety isn’t one big thing, it’s a series of small, consistent behaviors and controls that add up to real risk reduction. A few actions have the biggest impact: 

• Build a strong driver selection process: That includes prehire MVR checks, road tests, documented eligibility standards, and annual MVR checks for all drivers; continuous MVR monitoring is even better. Ninety to ninety-five percent of vehicle crashes are tied to driver behavior, so getting the right people behind the wheel matters tremendously. 

• Put expectations in writing: A formal fleet safety program — one that addresses distracted driving, fatigue, mobile device use, accident reporting, and vehicle maintenance — creates clarity and accountability for everyone involved. Consistency is key. 

• Use your data: Telematics, dashcams, and continuous MVR monitoring aren’t just “nicetohaves” anymore. They help identify risky behaviors early and give managers the insights they need to reward safe driving and coach unsafe driving when necessary. Formalizing how you use these tools is one of the best ways to get sustainable results.  If you have not considered telematics or dashcams yet, now is the time to do so. 

• Track what matters: Crashrate benchmarking, incident reviews, and periodic audits of safety practices help owners see whether their controls are truly working or need to be adjusted. Fleet safety is never “set it and forget it.” 

These steps don’t just reduce losses, they build a culture where everyone plays a part in staying safe. 

Brian Halaiko: At Nationwide, we believe the predict and prevent mindset isn’t just good for customers, it’s essential to the long-term sustainability of this industry. From a public policy perspective, that means advocating on multiple fronts simultaneously. 

We’ve been strong proponents of hands-free driving legislation. Ohio’s law is a proven example. It has measurably reduced fatal accidents, and 33 other states have adopted similar laws. We want to see the remaining 19 states act. 

Broadly, our advocacy position is that prevention is a shared responsibility across carriers, agents, regulators, technology providers, and consumers. The more we align incentives through pricing models that reward safe behavior, legislation that reduces risk, education that increase public awareness, or technology that puts control in consumers’ hands, the better outcomes we get for everyone. 

Over our 100 years, Nationwide has consistently played a leading role in promoting safety. Even before driver’s education and licenses were established, the company gave presentations on traffic safety at community groups and schools. Today, Nationwide continues to promote education by sponsoring MADD’s Power of Parents program to inform teens about the risks of drinking and driving and by supporting both drunk driving laws and graduated driver licensing for young drivers. As a founding member of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Nationwide advocates for improved vehicle design. To that end, the company was an early supported of seatbelts introducing a seat belt incentive in 1968 and remains committed to advancing seat belt legislation. In 1973, Nationwide also supported the inclusion of airbags in vehicles by testifying at a U.S. Department of Transportation hearing. 

Katy Ringeman: We focus on prevention as a shared responsibility between individuals, organizations, and insurers. A few key areas we consistently advocate for: 

• Driver awareness and training: Ongoing education around distracted driving and defensive techniques is critical. 

• Technology adoption: Telematics and in-vehicle monitoring systems can provide real-time insights and help correct behaviors before they lead to losses. 

• Clear policies and accountability: Defined expectations around mobile device use, fatigue management, and safe driving practices. 

• Proactive communication: Reinforcing safe behaviors regularly to keep safety top of mind. 

Ultimately, the most effective programs are the ones that combine data, accountability, and culture. 

How can insurance agents advocate for safe driving behaviors with their clients and lawmakers?

Ken Anderson: Agents play a huge role in shaping safer road environments — not just for individual clients, but for communities. Here are a few high-impact ways agents can lead: 

• Bring safety into every renewal conversations: Even a quick discussion about MVR standards, telematics/dashcam adoption, or distracted driving policies can spark important improvements. Sharing resources — like Nationwide’s driver training best practices, fleet safety manuals, and monthly safety infographics — helps clients take real action.  

• Encourage clients to invest in modern safety tools: Preferred pricing partnerships like SambaSafety and Zubie make it easier for businesses to adopt continuous monitoring and dashcam programs, which have proven impacts on reducing crashes and claims. Agents can be the catalyst for these risk management improvements. 

• Elevate safety issues with local policymakers: Agents are often community leaders. They can support legislation that strengthens distracted driving rules, incentivizes adoption of ADAS technologies, or funds roadway safety initiatives. Even lending their expertise in community forums helps amplify the message that safe roads benefit workers, families, and businesses. 

• Model responsiveness and partnership: Clients are more likely to engage in safety improvements when they feel supported. Sharing timely resources, providing tailored recommendations, and helping decode regulatory requirements all reinforce that agents are trusted advisors — not just policy providers. 

Brian Halaiko: Agents are one of the most effective and underutilized advocacy assets in this industry. They have direct, trusted relationships with the very people whose behavior we’re trying to influence. That’s a powerful platform. 

With clients, the shift starts in the conversation. We’ve trained consumers to price-shop, and that mindset has eroded the perceived value of what insurance actually does. Agents can reframe that conversation, moving from “how do I save you money today” to “how do I help protect your family long-term.” That means proactively introducing clients to telematics programs like SmartRide, explaining how focused driving tools can influence both their safety and their premiums. 

With lawmakers, agents have something lobbyists or I often don’t — they’re constituents. A local agent calling their state legislator to support a hands-free driving bill carries weight precisely because they’re embedded in the community and see the consequences of unsafe roads play out in the claims they help customers navigate. We encourage agents to use that voice to push for the kinds of safety reforms that benefit everyone like stronger distracted driving laws. 

Katy Ringeman: Agents play a critical role because they sit at the intersection of risk, behavior, and financial impact. 

With clients, it starts with education and transparency, helping them understand not just what their policy covers, but how their behaviors directly influence cost and risk. Sharing data, trends, and real-world claims examples can make that message more tangible. 

With lawmakers, agents can be strong advocates for common-sense safety measures, whether that’s distracted driving legislation, infrastructure improvements, or incentives for adopting safety technology. 

Most importantly, agents have the ability to influence culture. By consistently reinforcing that safe driving isn’t just a compliance issue; it’s a business and community priority. Agents can help drive meaningful change. 

About our panelists

Ken Anderson, CIH, CSP, serves as the Risk Management Technical Director for Business Auto at Nationwide. With more than 35 years of experience in property and casualty insurance risk management—including 17 years with a large national insurance broker—Anderson has spent much of his career delivering solutions focused risk management support to the construction industry. He holds the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designations, reflecting his deep technical expertise in safety and risk mitigation. 

Brian Halaiko, CPCU Nationwide External Affairs in January 2015. Brian currently is a member of the Government Relations team where he is responsible for leading the company’s property and casualty, safety, and innovation public policy efforts by developing positions on emerging issues, monitoring legislation, and providing research and background information to key stakeholders. He works with lobbyists in all 50 states and at the federal level to implement public policy to benefit members all over the country. Additionally, he leads efforts with the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) creating model legislation for the industry, including drafting the NCOIL Distracted Driving Model Act which has become the national standard for hands-free laws. 

Katy Ringeman serves as National Practice Leader for Personal Lines at Relation Insurance, where she is responsible for driving strategy, growth, and operational excellence across the organization’s personal insurance business. She partners closely with regional leaders, producers, and carrier partners to strengthen client outcomes, expand market opportunities, and elevate the overall client experience. 

Katy is known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to translate complex market dynamics into actionable strategies. She is passionate about developing talent, fostering strong relationships, and driving accountability at all levels of the organization. 

Prior to her current role, Katy held senior leadership positions overseeing sales, service, and operational initiatives, where she consistently delivered results through disciplined execution and a focus on client-centric solutions.