Crash avoidance technology and telematics to keep drivers and roads safer

Each April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month brings renewed focus to a risk that affects every driver on the road. At Nationwide, we think about distracted driving year-round because it’s one of the most relevant, yet preventable, roadway accidents. 

With what we call the “power of ready,” we encourage a mindset that goes beyond coverage. It’s about helping our members anticipate risk, build safer habits and put protections in place before something goes wrong. 

To take a closer look at what’s really happening on the road, and what we can do about it, I recently spent time with experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). What stood out most to me is that distracted driving isn’t just continuing – in many ways, it’s getting worse. 

Why distracted driving remains such a serious risk

When I spoke with IIHS safety expert Jessica Cicchino, she broke distracted driving down into three categories: visual, manual and cognitive.¹ In other words, your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel or your mind off the task of driving. 

What makes distracted driving so dangerous is how often those three categories overlap. 

Texting while driving, for example, hits all three – and the impact is significant. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can mean traveling the length of a football field without seeing what’s in front of you. IIHS research shows that phone use while driving can increase crash risk by two to six times.² Beyond individual behaviors, we’re also seeing a shift in how drivers perceive the road environment itself. 

According to Nationwide’s 2026 Driving Behaviors Survey,³ most drivers believe conditions are getting worse. 

• 90% say other drivers are more aggressive 

• 87% say they are more reckless 

• 91% say people are on their phones more often than a year ago 

At the same time, nearly one in five drivers admit they feel distracted behind the wheel. Drivers tend to see the problem on the road as someone else’s behavior, not their own. That makes it harder to shift habits meaningfully. 

Stress, distraction and today’s driving environment

Another trend we’re watching closely is the emotional side of driving.⁴ Many drivers report feeling stressed, irritated or even enraged on the road. In fact, 58% say other drivers irritate them, 40% say driving is stressful and one-third say they experience road rage triggered by others. 

Why does this matter for distracted driving? 

Because stress and distraction are closely linked. When drivers are frustrated, multitasking or trying to manage work communications, their attention shifts. This is where prevention must go beyond telling people to “pay attention.” It requires giving them tools and systems that make it easier to stay focused. 

How crash avoidance technology is changing the equation

One of the most promising developments is the evolution of crash avoidance technology. 

I had the opportunity to get in a test vehicle with IIHS’s David Aylor and experience these systems on a closed course firsthand. Using forward-facing sensors like radar and cameras, these technologies can detect vehicles and pedestrians, issue warnings and even apply the brakes automatically. 

What stood out to me is how quickly the system responded. In a real-world scenario, that reaction time could be the difference between a near miss and a serious accident. 

The data supports that – IIHS studies⁵ show: 

• Front crash prevention systems can reduce rear-end crashes by about 50% 

• Pedestrian crashes, in daylight, can be reduced by roughly 30% to 35% 

These technologies aren’t a replacement for attentive driving, but they are a powerful safety net, especially in moments of distraction. 

At the same time, drivers are still adjusting to the broader evolution of vehicle technology. While many are open to driver-assist features, comfort drops when it comes to fully autonomous vehicles. That reinforces the importance of focusing on technologies that support drivers, rather than replace them. 

What this means for agents and their clients

For insurance agents, distracted driving isn’t just a safety issue. It’s also a relationship opportunity. 

Clients are already aware that driving feels more dangerous. They’re experiencing it every day. What they often need is guidance on what to do about it. 

That starts with practical, actionable steps: 

• Encourage clients to eliminate distractions before they start driving (set GPS, silence notifications) 

• Promote “Do Not Disturb” modes and hands-free settings on devices 

• Reinforce the importance of pulling over when emotions or distractions escalate 

• Discuss how distracted driving impacts premiums and long-term costs 

• Recommend vehicles equipped with crash avoidance technology where possible 

Just as important is helping clients understand how their behavior is tracked and improved over time. This is where telematics plays a critical role. 

The role of telematics in changing behavior

Telematics is often discussed in terms of pricing and underwriting, but its impact on behavior change is just as important. 

Programs like Nationwide’s SmartRide® provide real-time feedback on driving habits: speed, braking, acceleration and phone use. That visibility helps drivers understand their own risk in a way that general safety messaging cannot. 

Focused Driving Rewards® takes a different approach by incentivizing distraction-free driving. Available to both Nationwide members and nonmembers, the program rewards consistent, focused behavior to help reinforce safer habits over time. 

These tools shift the conversation from reactive to proactive. Instead of addressing risk after a claim, agents can help clients actively reduce it. 

That aligns directly with what we’re seeing in the data. With 19% of drivers admitting they are sometimes or often distracted (and even higher rates among teens), there’s a clear need for ongoing reinforcement and accountability. 

Protect your clients through the power of ready

Distracted driving isn’t going away. In fact, with more in-vehicle technology, mobile devices and competing demands for attention, it’s likely to remain a central risk on the road. 

That said, the combination of awareness, technology and behavior change gives us a path forward. 

As agents, you have an opportunity to lead that shift. Not just by offering coverage, but by helping clients build safer habits, adopt proven technologies and understand how their actions affect their risk. 

That’s what we mean by the power of ready. It’s about being prepared before something happens. It’s about turning everyday conversations into opportunities to reduce risk. Ultimately, it’s about helping drivers protect what matters most every time they get behind the wheel. 

So, let’s lead the way. Deliver experiences that make a difference. Join our movement. 

Together, we’ll redefine protection. 

Together, we’ll deliver The Power of Ready. 

Share distracted driving resources with your clients today.