Distracted driving tool shows just how far you can travel while texting

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The Persistent Danger of Distracted Driving

Drivers who believe they can safely multitask behind the wheel of a moving car remain a serious road-safety issue—one that claimed more than 3,300 lives in 2026, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The problem stems largely from our smartphones. Although most people recognize the distraction, many drivers still cannot resist checking messages or emails at the wrong moment. A new online tool now makes it easier to understand exactly how much of the road disappears when attention shifts to a phone.

Quanata’s Interactive Simulator

The distracted-driving tool was created by Quanata, a context-based insurance provider focused on raising awareness. “Quanata’s technology aims to create a future where risk-informed choices enable safer drivers and better lives. We recognize that a lot of the danger on our roads is caused by distracted driving and we want to help minimize that,” said Jim Ryan, SVP of business development at Quanata.

The simulator lets users experience two common scenarios: composing a text message while traveling at 70 mph and comparing reaction times when fully focused on driving versus placing an order in a fast-food app.

A Stark Illustration: Texting at Highway Speed

The texting exercise delivers a particularly powerful message. In testing, the average time to complete the task was about 14 seconds. At 70 mph, that equates to traveling more than 1,400 feet (426 m) with eyes off the road—an alarming distance that highlights how quickly a brief glance can become a serious hazard.

From Virtual Demo to Real-World Research

The creators acknowledge that the online tool serves primarily as an awareness exercise. For in-depth academic study, researchers rely on advanced facilities such as the $80 million National Advanced Driving Simulator in Coralville, Iowa, capable of pitching, yawing, rolling, and moving inside a large hangar-like space.

“While this simulator can’t provide a complete picture of the dangers of distracted driving, our hope is to help illustrate how dangerous it is to glance down at your phone—and remind everyone how that time can add up when you’re behind the wheel,” Ryan said.

The Simple, Effective Solution

Fortunately, the remedy for distracted driving is straightforward: keep your eyes on the road and reserve phone use for when the vehicle is safely parked.