As long as there have been cars, there has been distracted driving, but in 2025, it’s not just about texting or talking to a passenger anymore. Modern cars come with multiple distractions built right into the dashboard.
From touchscreen climate control to voice-activated settings, even the most tech-savvy drivers can struggle to keep their eyes – and minds – on the road. It’s no surprise that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 8 percent of fatal crashes, and an estimated 13 percent of injury crashes, were distraction-affected in 2023.
In this article, we will explore 2025 trends in car design that may make the problem of distracted driving even worse, and how you can seek justice if you’ve been the victim of a distracted driver.
The NHTSA highlights “talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system” as the leading causes of distracted driving.
Are new cars making it any easier to focus on the road?
The latest 2025 models are equipped with more complicated infotainment systems than ever before. This leads to two types of distraction: cognitive and manual.
Cognitive distraction happens when your mind is focused on something other than the road. As modern infotainment systems require more brainpower than traditional ones, new cars may make it harder to maintain our focus on the road.
Manual distraction occurs when your hands are occupied with something other than controlling the vehicle. While you used to be able to adjust the AC, radio, and even turn on seat heaters with the flick of a switch or twist of a knob, now you may have to tap through three or four digital menus to do the same thing.
A number of popular 2025 models are equipped with infotainment systems that malfunction or are overly complex, leading to the potential for distracted driving. Some popular models in this category include:
Interestingly, a report suggests that some car manufacturers are quietly moving back toward manual controls. A 2025 study by JD Power investigated what owners of 2025 models thought about their new cars.
The study found that the biggest cause of complaints was car infotainment systems. This is what the Senior Director of Auto Benchmarking at JD Power, Frank Hanley, concluded about these systems: “Customers are having to tap and swipe through multiple screens… Owners find these things to be overly complicated and too distracting to use while driving. By retaining dedicated physical controls for some of these interactions, automakers can alleviate pain points and simplify the overall customer experience.”
The auto industry seems to be listening. The following automakers are backtracking by reintroducing physical controls:
It remains to be seen whether this trend will influence other car manufacturers and have a positive impact on distracted driving rates.
When accident statistics for 2025 are published in the future, they will likely reference many accidents caused by drivers who allowed infotainment systems and other distractions to divert their attention from the road.
If you have been a victim of a distracted driver, do not let another person’s inattention devastate your life. You can fight for your rights and seek compensation to get your life back on track.
An experienced auto accident attorney can give you the best chance of building a strong case to prove that the other driver was distracted and that you deserve fair compensation.
In any personal injury case, the accident victim’s attorney must prove that the other party was negligent and that his or her behavior was the direct cause of the victim’s injuries. To prove the driver was distracted, and therefore negligent, lawyers can use various types of evidence, including:
If you rely on an insurance company to assess your injuries and determine how much compensation you are due, you are unlikely to receive a fair settlement. A car accident lawyer will dig deep and investigate the long-term consequences of your injuries, allowing him or her to fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
The last thing you want to do after getting injured in a car accident with a distracted driver is talk to the insurance company. The insurance company will try to get you to go on record and then use the recorded statement against you later.
Instead, let your auto accident lawyer handle all discussions and negotiations with the insurer directly. There is no need for you to discuss your case with the insurance company.
Experienced car accident attorneys know all the tactics insurance companies use to try to minimize settlements or dismiss claims altogether. Your lawyer will use skills and experience built up over years of similar cases, giving you the best chance of a fair settlement or verdict.
Distracted drivers are everywhere, and when they cause you pain, expense, and emotional distress, they need to be held to account for their actions. The car accident lawyers at Collins Law are ready to hear your story and provide tailored advice on your legal options.
While it's true that there are many Illinois law firms to choose from, our track record at Collins Law shows why we are the right choice. We have secured over $1.47 billion in compensation for our clients, including many 6- and 7-figure settlements in car accident cases.
To discover what your case could be worth, schedule a free consultation with Collins Law today. Call us 24/7 at (630) 527-1595 or complete our online contact form, and we will call you back very soon.
