Distracted Driving Awareness Month Takes Place in April
Crashes involving distracted drivers often happen without warning. No screech of tires. No evasive maneuver. Just a sudden, violent impact. When someone behind the wheel is looking at a phone instead of the road, they rarely hit the brakes in time, if at all. The result is often catastrophic.
In New Mexico, this type of crash is becoming alarmingly common. State data shows that 41% of all fatal crashes involve a distracted driver, one of the highest rates in the nation. The number of fatal accidents involving distracted drivers remains stubbornly high in New Mexico. According to federal data, there were:
- 137 fatal crashes involving distracted drivers in New Mexico, 2019.
- 139 in 2020.
- 173 in 2021.
- 166 in 2022.
- 149 in 2023.
Too often, distraction means a phone in hand, a glance at a screen, and a life forever changed in seconds. April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, but for crash victims and their families, the consequences of distraction last far longer.
New Mexico’s Alarming Distracted Driving Trends
Despite campaigns to raise awareness, distracted driving remains a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents across the state. In communities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, the mix of busy highways, daily commutes, and mobile device dependence has created dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.
Cell phones are one of the most pervasive and hazardous distractions. Unlike other forms of inattention, such as eating or adjusting the radio, phone use causes all three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Even a quick glance at a text message can delay reaction times as much as driving under the influence.
New Mexico has taken steps to address this risk. The state prohibits texting while driving and bans all handheld phone use for drivers with learner’s or provisional licenses. However, unlike some other states, New Mexico does not have a comprehensive statewide ban on handheld phone use for all drivers. Instead, cities like Albuquerque have passed local ordinances to fill that gap.
Still, enforcement remains inconsistent, and the law has not kept pace with technology. Many drivers mistakenly believe that being hands-free means being risk-free, when in fact, studies show that cognitive distraction alone can significantly impair driving performance.
Why Cell Phone Use Leads to More Crashes
When drivers take their eyes off the road to read a message or respond to a notification, they increase the likelihood of a crash by four times. This risk compounds when speed, traffic conditions, or weather are involved. Cell phone-related crashes often result in:
- Rear-end collisions at stoplights or in traffic.
- Lane departures or sideswipes due to inattention.
- T-bone crashes at intersections from missed signals or stop signs.
- Pedestrian or cyclist impacts in crosswalks or roadside lanes.
These types of accidents tend to cause serious, often life-changing injuries — especially for vulnerable road users. Because distraction occurs just before impact, the driver rarely brakes in time, making the crash and resulting injuries more severe.
Legal Reform and the Road Ahead
New Mexico's current distracted driving laws are a patchwork of state statutes and local ordinances. Strengthening those laws could reduce crash rates and improve accountability. Potential reforms include:
- A Statewide Handheld Ban: Applying the same rules to all drivers statewide would eliminate confusion and allow for more consistent enforcement.
- Harsher Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Increasing fines or adding license points for second and third offenses may deter habitual violators.
- Employer Liability Standards: Holding companies accountable when employees cause crashes while using work phones or apps could incentivize safer policies.
Implementing these changes would require collaboration between lawmakers, law enforcement, and community leaders, but the potential to save lives is significant. Legal reform alone won’t end distracted driving, but it can reduce the damage and give victims a clearer path to justice.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Take Action Now.
Anyone seriously injured in a crash involving a distracted driver has the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. However, strict legal deadlines apply in New Mexico. Evidence — such as cell phone records or eyewitness accounts — can quickly disappear, and insurance companies often act fast to minimize payouts.
Szantho Law Firm helps injured New Mexicans fight for the compensation they deserve. With offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, attorney Andras Szantho brings disciplined, trial-tested experience to every case. He knows what it takes to win — and he doesn’t back down from a challenge.
If a crash has turned your life upside down, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today. There are no upfront fees, and cases are handled on a contingency basis, so there’s no cost unless compensation is recovered.
"Mr. Szantho and his team are pros, with my situation and all the key factors that played a negative role against me, this team wanted to battle for me. Not only did they get the maximum compensation for my accident - which was a surprise in its own! The very next phone call was Mr. Szantho's assistant. [She] informed me that they have to pay for my property, as well. This law firm is outstanding, professional, and genuinely cares about their client! [...] Without hesitation, I would use them again if need be. If you're getting pushed around and bullied by other firms, I'd recommend to give these guys a call." - Elvis B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐