While most New Year’s resolutions have passed by now, there’s one resolution everyone should adopt to improve not only their quality of life but the quality of life of those around them: Driving more safely.
An analysis by the National Safety Council estimates that 20,900 people in the U.S. died in preventable traffic crashes in the first six months of 2024.
As a result, governments and police agencies are constantly adopting various strategies to enhance road safety, including advancements in vehicle safety technology, improvements in road infrastructure and initiatives by insurers and other organizations to promote safer driving behaviors. It should remain a priority for drivers to be aware of and follow these new standards.
Four of the top leading causes of traffic fatalities are speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence and not wearing seat belts. Insurers can help drivers make small changes to — or resolutions for — their driving habits that can help reduce the number of fatalities from preventable traffic crashes in 2025.
Dangerous driving behavior No. 1: Speeding
According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions, major speeding infractions continue to grow. The first six months of 2023 and 2024 saw an average increase of 14% yearly. Minor speeding violations grew 20% annually during the same timeframes, nearly reaching major speeding levels.
Speeding and risky behaviors impact rising premiums as these violations are risky for insurance carriers. The more infractions a driver has on their driving record can also cause their premiums to rise.
Dangerous driving behavior No. 2: Distracted driving
LexisNexis Risk Solutions found that in the first six months of both 2023 and 2024, there was an alarming 30% per year increase in distracted driving violations.
With Gen Z (the largest demographic) leading the pack, all generations are seeing an increased rate of these violations. Existing technologies are available to reduce distracted driving. These include driver-monitoring systems that detect distraction and drowsiness, technologies that block incoming calls and notifications/crash avoidance features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Insurers offering premium discounts for these features could incentivize their customers to take advantage and benefit themselves and others on the road.
Dangerous driving behavior No. 3: Driving under the influence
LexisNexis Risk Solutions data show that DUIs increased an average of 10% per year for the first six months of 2023 and 2024. Again, Gen Z is the demographic with the most growth, with baby boomers have the most significant decline compared to other demographic groups.
Public service campaigns continue to highlight the dangers of driving while under the influence. Historical analysis by LexisNexis Risk Solutions has highlighted how highly risky driving behaviors, including infractions for major speeding and multiple DUIs, equates to mortality rates, which life insurers use to help underwrite life insurance policies.
Dangerous driving behavior No. 4: Not wearing seat belts
While non-moving violations overall remain down compared to pre-COVID levels, LexisNexis Risk Solutions found that the number of violations from people not wearing seat belts has continued to rise steadily, even with technology in modern cars notifying those in the front seat when they are not wearing a seatbelt.
Similar technology will be required to notify if backseat passengers are not wearing their seatbelts beginning in September 2027. Until then, the “Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.” campaign by NHTSA will continue to remind drivers and passengers to always wear seat belts — it is one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in crashes.
Insurance carriers, for their part, can look to further engage consumers and encourage safe driving among their customers by continuing to promote awareness and awarding safe driving discounts and offering tools to help drivers track their behaviors.
Insurers can also stay up to date with changes in violations or claims that may fall within the categories leading to traffic fatalities. With 2025 well underway, the year ahead will continue to bring change, and encouraging safe driving is one resolution we can all get behind at any time.
Read our detailed guide on the top six risks you should avoid while driving
Jeff Batiste is senior vice president and general manager of auto and home insurance at LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- NHTSA. “NHTSA Finalizes Seat Belt Reminder Rule to Increase Seat Belt Use, Improve Occupant Safety.” Accessed February 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Injury Facts: Motor Vehicle.” Accessed February 2025.
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