Distracted Driving During the Holidays: Why Texts and GPS Are Especially Dangerous

The holidays are one of the busiest and most dangerous times to be on the road. Between shopping trips, school events, holiday parties, family visits, and constant phone notifications, distracted driving in Florida often rises sharply during this season.

Most people think that distraction just means texting. But during the holidays, distractions can multiply fast. Drivers are thinking about their gift lists, dealing with GPS apps, talking to family on the phone, and managing their tight schedules, all while traffic is heavier and patience is wearing a whole lot thinner. That combination creates the perfect storm for serious crashes.

Holiday Driving Is More Dangerous Than Many People Realize

Distracted driving is a year-round problem, but safety agencies consistently report noticeable increases during November and December. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned that distraction contributes to thousands of deaths every year, with holiday travel being one of the highest-risk time periods.

AAA also reports that holiday travel leads to more congestion, more stress, and more people rely on their navigation apps. All of that increases the risk of a crash. Here in Florida, state data continues to show that distraction plays a major role in injury-causing accidents across the state, especially during peak holiday weeks. This is why distracted driving in Florida is such a serious concern.

Why Texting Becomes Even More Dangerous During the Holidays

Texting is already one of the most dangerous things a driver can do behind the wheel, but the holidays make it even worse. Messages come in constantly about plans, errands, and timing. Every buzz or notification pulls your attention away from the road.

Holiday messages also tend to be emotional or stressful. According to the CDC, emotional stress slows down reaction times and reduces your ability to focus. When drivers are stressed or overwhelmed, the risk tied to distracted driving in Florida increases even more.

On top of that, many people are driving in areas that they aren’t familiar with. Trips to malls, airports, new neighborhoods, and event venues can lead drivers to glance at their phones more often, which is how avoidable crashes often happen.

GPS and Navigation Apps Are a Hidden Holiday Danger

Many drivers underestimate how distracting GPS use can be. Entering an address, zooming in on a map, rerouting, or switching between apps requires long glances away from the road.

National safety research identifies navigation use as a high-risk visual distraction. During the holidays, drivers often make multiple stops and last-minute changes, which increases GPS-related mistakes. This type of behavior is a major contributor to distracted driving in Florida, especially in busy shopping areas and unfamiliar parts of town.

Other Holiday Distractions That Cause Crashes

Phones and GPS are only part of the problem. Holiday chaos brings plenty of other distractions along with it. Shopping bags slide around, food and drinks spill, and kids in the back seat get excited or restless. Drivers also tend to want to take in the holiday lights and decorations, especially in neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Each of these distractions may seem small on its own, but together they play a major role in holiday crashes across Florida. Many of these accidents happen in parking lots, intersections, and congested shopping corridors where reaction time matters most.

How Distraction Affects a Florida Injury Claim

If you’re injured because another driver was distracted, proving that distraction can significantly increase the strength of your claim. Phone records, GPS data, vehicle technology, and witness statements can all help show what happened. In cases involving distracted driving in Florida, this type of evidence often makes a real difference.

If you were partially distracted, insurance companies may try to use that against you. Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule allows insurers to argue that you share fault, even when the other driver caused the crash. This is why having the right legal guidance matters.

Situations involving GPS use can be especially complicated. Typing on a phone is very different from simply following directions. Liability depends on how long the driver looked away, whether the phone was mounted, and what the data shows. These details are often analyzed by a Tampa injury attorney that is experienced in handling complicated crash evidence.

Staying Safer on the Road This Holiday Season

Reducing distraction doesn’t require anything extreme. Simple habits can help. Set your GPS before you head out on the road, use a phone mount, and turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving.” If you need to answer a message or call, pull over first.

Leaving a little bit earlier also lowers your stress levels, which reduces any risky decisions. These small choices go a long way toward reducing distracted driving in Florida and keeping everyone safer during the holidays.

How Mickey Keenan, P.A. Helps Distracted Driving Victims

Our firm represents people across Tampa Bay who were injured because another driver couldn’t stay focused. We work quickly to gather phone records, GPS data, and vehicle information before it disappears.

If you need a Tampa car accident attorney, our goal is always the same: protect the injured person and handle the legal burden so that you can focus on healing.

We also assist clients injured in motorcycle crashes, where distraction is especially dangerous, by working closely with a motorcycle accident lawyer Tampa riders trust. People often come to us when they’re searching for experienced Tampa car accident lawyers who know how insurers operate.

If you’re facing pushback from an insurance company or unsure what to do next, a Tampa car wreck attorney from our team can help guide you through the process with a greater level of care and clarity.

A Second of Distraction Can Change Everything

The holidays should be about connection and celebration, not injuries and hospital visits. When drivers slow down and stay focused, everyone benefits. Reducing distracted driving in Florida protects families, travelers, and communities alike.

If you or someone you love was hurt by a distracted driver this holiday season, reach out to Mickey Keenan, P.A. for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand all of your options, so you don’t have to do this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered distracted driving in Florida?

Distracted driving in Florida includes anything that takes your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving. This can involve texting, typing, holding a phone, using GPS manually, eating, adjusting controls, or dealing with passengers. Even brief distractions can increase crash risk, especially in heavy traffic or busy areas.

What is the new phone rule in Florida?

Florida law makes texting while driving a primary offense, meaning police can stop a driver solely for texting. Drivers are also restricted from using handheld phones in school zones and active construction zones. The law is designed to reduce crashes caused by visual and manual distractions.

Are you allowed to drive on your phone in Florida?

You are not allowed to text while driving in Florida. Hands-free phone use is generally permitted, but drivers must keep both eyes on the road. Holding a phone or typing while driving can lead to citations and can be used as evidence in an accident claim.

Can you be on your phone at a stoplight in Florida?

Even at a stoplight, texting is risky. While the law focuses on driving, using your phone at a light can still distract you when traffic starts moving again. If an accident happens, phone use at a stoplight may still be used to show distraction.