In today’s fast-moving world, staying connected is second nature—but when that urge to check a notification happens behind the wheel, the consequences can be life-changing. Distracted driving has become one of the biggest threats on the road, impacting not just drivers but also passengers, pedestrians, and fellow motorists.
At Marcus & Mack, we believe education is the key to prevention, which is why we are partnering with local schools to bring awareness to this critical issue. By engaging with young drivers and sharing real-world insights, we are helping them build safe driving habits that last a lifetime.
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the road, even for a split second. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting a GPS, or even changing the music. The statistics are staggering—according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 lives are lost every year due to distracted driving. And because distraction often goes unreported in crash data, the true impact is likely even greater.
Teen drivers are especially at risk, with those aged 20 and under being among the most affected. That’s why it is so important to educate young people early, helping them understand that driving requires their full attention—every time they get behind the wheel.
Of all the distractions, texting is the most dangerous. Sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field—completely blind. Research shows that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Because of the high risks, many states have passed laws banning texting while driving, and awareness campaigns are working to shift public attitudes. But legal restrictions alone aren’t enough—true change starts with education and personal responsibility.
At first glance, distracted driving and impaired driving may seem like separate issues, but they have more in common than most people realize.
The good news? Both behaviors are preventable with the right education and mindset.
At Marcus & Mack, we see the heartbreaking consequences of distracted driving every day, which is why we’ve joined a national effort to put an end to it. Through the End Distracted Driving (EndDD) program, we’re visiting schools and speaking directly with students about the real dangers of distraction behind the wheel. Just this year, the attorneys at Marcus & Mack have spoken with more than 650 students at three different schools, and we are already booked to give this presentation at three more schools this spring.
Since its launch in 2012, EndDD has reached more than 550,000 people across the U.S. and Canada—and we’re proud to be part of this important movement.
By engaging with young drivers, sharing impactful stories, and offering practical tips, we are helping to create a new generation of responsible drivers who understand that their choices behind the wheel matter.
Driving is a privilege—and with it comes the responsibility to keep yourself and others safe. The message is simple: Put the phone down. Stay focused. Drive responsibly.
Marcus & Mack is dedicated to making our roads safer, one driver at a time. If you’re a teacher, school administrator, or community leader interested in bringing the EndDD program to your students, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can drive change!
Marcus & Mack
