Drivers who use their phones behind the wheel are 240% more likely to crash, according to a new report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT).

The report, ‘A Data-Driven Action Plan for Safer Roads’, urges public officials to support and advance predictive analytics to prevent traffic deaths before they happen, marking a fundamental shift in how road safety is approached.

“This is an action plan to prevent crashes – not just respond to them,” said Jonathan Adkins, GHSA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We have the tools to save thousands of lives. What we need now is action. The advanced analytics we outline are validated, predictive, and provide a level of foresight that past generations of safety leaders could only imagine. This is a call for government, community, and corporate leaders to work together to help us move boldly into a new era of road safety.”

The report outlines policy recommendations to institutionalize analytics-guided safety practices, this includes:

  • Adopt predictive analytics: Federal law and regulations should encourage State Highway Safety Offices, Vision Zero programs and roadway safety partners to integrate validated telematics risk analytics and predictive tools into their core strategy development, using data dashboards to guide timely, targeted interventions.
  • Enact and strengthen evidence-based laws: Legislatures and governors should prioritize passing proven safety laws, such as unambiguous hands-free laws and stronger seat belt laws, coupled with public education campaigns to drive behavioral change.
  • Analyze effectiveness and adapt: Predictive analytics can be incorporated into Highway Safety Plans (HSPs) by measuring whether new laws, engineering changes, enforcement, or education campaigns are reducing risky behaviors and improving outcomes.
  • Maintain focus on accuracy and privacy: State Highway Safety Offices should continue to deliver precise and effective safety strategies by using externally validated, aggregate risk indicators while preserving public trust and protecting personal rights.

GHSA said by adopting these strategies, states and communities can accelerate the adoption of data-driven, risk-based and proactive safety practices, making a significant safety impact across the country.