New Data Shows Many Drivers Still Text and Scroll Behind the Wheel
An Arizona law that makes it illegal to hold a cellphone while driving has had little effect on other cellphone use while driving in the state, according to a recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study on distracted driving in Arizona.
“These results are a bit of a reality check. ‘No holding’ laws are a positive step, but it will take more than better-worded legislation alone to combat cellphone distraction,” IIHS President David Harkey said.
What is Arizona’s ‘hands-free’ cellphone driving law?
In 2019, Arizona adopted its “hands-free” cellphone driving law. Under the law, drivers can use a cellphone only in hands-free mode.
The law “prohibits drivers from using a cellphone or a stand-alone electronic device while driving unless it is being used in a hands-free mode. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, tablets, music, and gaming devices.”
Citations can be issued for violations of the law. The penalty for first-time violations can range from fines of $75 to $149. Fines for subsequent citations can range from $150 to $250 per violation, according to the Arizona state law.
Has Arizona’s hands-free cellphone law reduced distracted driving?
Unfortunately, no. According to anonymous driver data collected by insurance companies, Arizona drivers spent 26 percent less time on handheld calls after the state ban took effect in 2019, the IIHS reported.
However, the same anonymous data revealed that “the new law had little impact on cellphone manipulation — an umbrella term that covers scrolling, swiping, typing and any other action that requires holding the device,” according to the IIHS.
“The fact that drivers continued to type and scroll in the wake of a law that made it illegal even to hold the device shows how hard it’s going to be to stop this behavior,” said Ian Reagan, senior research scientist at the IIHS and lead author of the study. “Sustained, high-visibility enforcement efforts are likely needed to make drivers take the new law seriously.”
More information about distracted driving in Arizona
The recent IIHS study carefully analyzed when and how drivers were using their cellphones since the Arizona hands-free cellphone ban went into effect in 2019.
First, the good news. In the first year that Arizona's hands-free cellphone law was in effect, drivers were 17 percent less likely to make handheld calls and 22 percent less likely to be on a handheld call at any time while driving, the IIHS reported. By 2024, fewer drivers were less likely to be on a handheld call while driving at any time.
Now, the bad news. Anonymous driver data revealed “slight increases in the likelihood of cellphone manipulation occurring on trips,” suggesting drivers were more likely to use their phones for other purposes while driving. In addition, while driver “cellphone manipulation declined slightly the first year the law was in place,” it then “increased slightly through 2024,” IIHS reported.
What makes distracted driving so dangerous?
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious crashes in Arizona because it takes a person's eyes, hands, and mind off the task of driving. Even a brief glance at a phone can mean missing a red light, drifting into another lane, or failing to notice a pedestrian crossing the road. In heavy-traffic areas such as Phoenix, Tucson, and along I-10, just one moment of inattention can cause a devastating multi-vehicle collision, pedestrian crash, or bicycle accident.
Some of the most common risks associated with distracted driving include:
- Slower reaction time – Drivers looking at their phones take longer to brake or respond to sudden changes in traffic.
- Visual distraction – Eyes focus on a screen rather than on mirrors, pedestrians, and surrounding vehicles.
- Erratic driving patterns – Distracted drivers often weave, stop abruptly, or fail to maintain a consistent speed.
- Failure to recognize hazards – Glancing away for even two or three seconds at highway speeds means traveling the length of a football field without watching the road.
- Mental distraction – Reading or composing messages divides attention, making it harder to react to unexpected events.
Every second on the road requires a driver’s full attention. Research consistently shows that distracted driving—whether from texting, talking, or using apps—significantly increases the risk of a car crash. In Arizona, where clear skies and long stretches of open road can create a false sense of safety, staying alert behind the wheel is critical to preventing catastrophic injuries and deaths.
Send distracted drivers a strong message
Car accidents caused by distracted drivers in Arizona might seem straightforward at first, especially if a driver broke one of Arizona’s cellphone driving laws. But the reality is that claims involving distracted drivers are often much more complicated. That’s why if you or someone you love has been injured in such a crash, you need an Arizona distracted driving accident lawyer from Browne Law Group handling your case.
Attorney Byron Browne and his dedicated legal team focus on finding the right evidence and building strong legal cases. That’s why we have such a strong track record of success, including a $2 million settlement obtained in one case involving a serious car accident. Case results matter here.
Injured in a crash? Learn more about your legal rights. Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with an Arizona distracted driving accident attorney you can count on in a crisis. We can meet with you at our Gilbert, AZ office or at another location that's more convenient for you. You decide.
“Byron is the proverbial ‘bulldog’ lawyer that you want fighting for you.” – Tyler, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐