How GM Is Combating Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in America. It doesn’t matter what your age or experience level is, as it can happen to anyone. That’s why General Motors is taking great steps to help make vehicles safer and curb distracted driving for everyone. 

What Studies Show About Distracted Driving 

Driver behavior is the main focus of GM’s efforts to limit accidents as a whole. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that in 2024, there were over 3,200 deaths alongside an estimated 315,000 or more injuries involving crashes from distracted driving. Much of that is possibly due to drivers using their phones while behind the wheel. In fact, a 2016 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that drivers who used their phones were two to six times more likely to have an accident.  

Other Factors That Can Distract Drivers 

But it’s not all about phones. Many people will drop something inside their car while driving and try to reach down to get it. Which, according to the NIH, makes an accident seven to nine times more likely to occur.  

A Word from General Motors

“When you’re behind the wheel, your primary job is driving, while taking eyes off the road is inevitable, each off-road glance should be short and punctuated by a long on-road glance to maintain proper awareness of the road scene,” said GM’s Lead Engineer for Driver Distraction, Dan Glaser. “A single, seemingly trivial, glance from the road, if poorly timed, can be deadly.” 

How GMC Vehicles Make Driving Better 

Thanks to hands-free features on most 2026 GMC models, more drivers can take advantage of asking the car to make calls, send texts, adjust audio settings, activate navigation, change the temperature, and more without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. All models come standard with Bluetooth, which allows you to make and receive calls with the push of a button.  

Driver Attention Assist 

With the introduction of Driver Attention Assist in 2024, select models use a camera and sensors to detect distracted or drowsy driving, then display alerts if either condition is detected. This coincides with either chimes or a vibrating seat to get the driver’s attention. For 2025, GM introduced Driver Attention Assist 2.0, which detects if a driver is unresponsive and can stop the vehicle and call OnStar to alert that the driver may need emergency assistance.  

Store Your Phone Away Before Driving 

Before driving, drivers should have a safe place to put their phone so it is out of their field of view. If need be, activate your phone’s do-not-disturb function, which can auto-reply to texts while you are driving. Or, simply let people know you will be driving and won’t be able to chat before you embark on your journey.  

Get To Know Your Car  

If your car is new to you, take plenty of time to learn all the features so you aren’t fumbling around looking for something, like the heated seat button. Simply tap the voice control button on your steering wheel to use the vehicle’s assistant to help you do things while driving.  

Place Essential Items in Safe Spots 

Ensure all specific items you need while driving are within reach. This could be a drink, snack, gum, or the like. Secure them in the cupholders or cubbies before you get rolling so that they don’t move around while driving.  

Let Valley GMC Show You All of the Latest Features 

To learn more about all of the wonderful features that help you stay safe behind the wheel of a GMC, visit Valley GMC and talk to an expert sales associate to experience all of the latest technologies, such as Google Built-in, which puts Google Assistant, Maps, and more at the touch of a button when you need them.  

Why Choose Valley GMC  

Valley GMC takes great pride in offering the best prices and service to all our customers. We have dozens of new and used vehicles available, and our incredible sales team and finance department can help you find the best car for you and your family. And our fantastic service department will work hard to maintain your vehicle to the highest standards.  

We look forward to serving you.