Illinois Drivers Rank Among Most Distracted In The Nation

Every driver has witnessed it, the person next to them drifting in their lane because whatever’s on their phone is apparently more important than staying alive. A new nationwide study confirms what many Illinois drivers already suspect: distracted driving isn’t just common… It’s dangerous enough to land Illinois in the Top 10 worst states.

Illinois Lands at #8 on the Most Distracted List

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The study examined responses from more than 1,700 drivers across the U.S. and analyzed which states struggle the most with staying focused behind the wheel. Illinois comes in at #8, sitting among states where drivers are more likely to be tapping, scrolling, changing playlists, or answering “important” texts while moving 70 mph down the interstate. Comforting, right?

The Most Distracted (and Most Dangerous) States

New Mexico earns the crown as the most distracted driving state in America, followed by Louisiana and Kansas. These states also see the highest rates of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers, a trend Illinois unfortunately shares, though not at the same extreme level. Washington, Missouri, Idaho, and Oklahoma round out the rest of the Top 10.

What’s Pulling Drivers’ Attention Away

Here’s the kicker: drivers aren’t even blaming social media.

76% say they grab their phone for directions.
54% claim a call or text “can’t wait.”
44% admit they use their phones when traffic slows.
43% just want to change the song.

Nearly 90% of Americans confess to something distracting them behind the wheel. Only 12% say they resist temptation entirely, likely the same people who also floss and file their taxes early.