Protecting Brain Health on Arizona Roads
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes—and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was a reported factor in 2,522 drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2023, underscoring how even momentary inattention can have deadly consequences.
Whether it’s adjusting navigation, eating, or using a phone, these split-second decisions can change lives forever.
Protecting Brain Health on Arizona Roads
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes—and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was a reported factor in 2,522 drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2023, underscoring how even momentary inattention can have deadly consequences.
Whether it’s adjusting navigation, eating, or using a phone, these split-second decisions can change lives forever.
Distraction isn’t limited to texting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies three types—visual, manual, and cognitive—and notes that anything that takes your attention away from driving increases crash risk.
Whether it’s adjusting navigation, eating, or using a phone, these split-second decisions can change lives forever.
In Arizona, the impact is clear. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that in 2023 there were over 237,000 drivers involved in crashes, with thousands linked to distraction-related behaviors such as device use or in-vehicle activities. These crashes frequently result in serious injuries, including TBIs that can affect memory, mobility, emotional regulation, and long-term independence.
Prevention starts with simple choices: silence your phone, set directions before driving, and stay focused behind the wheel. If you’re a passenger, speak up—your voice could save a life.
For those living with the aftermath of a crash, support is available. The Brain Injury Association of Arizona offers a Drunk & Distracted Driving Survivor Virtual Support Group, held via Zoom on the fourth Friday of each month from 2:00–3:30 p.m. (AZ time). This survivors-only group provides a safe, supportive space to share experiences and focus on healing.
If you or a loved one need support, contact the Brain Injury Association of Arizona at info@biaaz.org, call the Helpline at (888) 500-9165, or text 520-310-3301.
SOURCES (Direct Links)
NHTSA. Traffic Safety Facts 2023 (Distracted Driving Data Table): https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813738
CDC. Distracted Driving – Overview & Impact: https://www.cdc.gov/distracted-driving/about/index.html
Arizona Department of Transportation. 2023 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts (Full Report PDF): https://azdot.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/2023-Crash-Facts_0.pdf
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona is the state’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers. Your generous support is crucial to continue providing them with programs and services.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.