Easter’s Hidden Danger: Distracted Driving Spikes When Roads Are Full
Easter Sunday usually brings joy. Sunrise services. Pastel eggs. Family brunches.
But while many are focused on celebration, there's a different surge happening—behind the wheel.
According to a recent study from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), a company specializing in telematics and driving behavior insights, Easter sees a significant increase in both distracted driving and speeding compared to other Sundays.
And this year, the risk is even more timely: Easter falls right in the middle of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) April Distracted Driving Awareness Month campaign.
It’s a powerful reminder that distraction doesn’t take holidays off—and that even joyful days require vigilance on the road.
What Does the Data Tell Us?
Cambridge Mobile Telematrics' Statistics Graph
At 9:00 a.m., CMT reports that distracted driving increases by 9.5% compared to the typical Sunday morning.
By noon, drivers are actively interacting with their phones for an average of 2 minutes and 30 seconds per hour—while in motion.
That means more drivers are glancing at screens just as roads fill with families heading to lunch, church, or egg hunts.
And it doesn’t stop there...Speeding also climbs as the day goes on.
Cambridge Mobile Telematrics' Statistics Graph
Between 8 a.m. and noon, speeding rises 10.6%, and by 2:00 p.m., it's up to 19% above average Sunday levels, according to CMT's findings.
The combination of distraction and speed—on one of the busiest community days of the year—puts everyone at greater risk.
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
It’s no coincidence that Easter Sunday falls during Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a nationwide initiative led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce distraction-related crashes.
In 2023 alone, NHTSA reported that 3,275 lives were lost due to distracted driving—a sobering statistic that underscores the urgency behind this year’s campaign "Put the Phone Away or Pay" (running April 10–14).
The overlap with Easter only heightens the stakes. The data already shows increased distraction and speeding on holiday mornings—now paired with a national push for focus and accountability.
For municipalities, law enforcement, and everyday drivers, this isn’t just good timing—it’s a powerful opportunity to prevent crashes before they happen.
Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference
Whether you're heading to brunch, managing traffic for your city, or advocating for road safety, here are simple steps to take this Easter—and every day:
- Plan ahead. Give yourself extra travel time so you’re not tempted to rush.
- Stay focused. Use Do Not Disturb mode or hands-free tech.
- Drive defensively. Especially during peak hours (mid-morning through afternoon).
- Be the voice. Share this info in your community, especially during holidays.
We're Proud to Be Part of the Solution
Every second of attention matters. Every decision to drive focused protects more than just your own life—it protects others on the road with you.
At Radarsign, we believe safer streets don’t start with signs—they start with awareness, accountability, and the right tools to change behavior.
That’s why we proudly support NHTSA's Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and why we work together with municipalities and law enforcement to turn data into safer driving habits.
Because road safety isn’t seasonal. And lives are on the line every day—not just holidays.
Let’s make Easter joyful—and get everyone home safe.
If your community is ready to take the next step in traffic safety—during holidays and beyond—our team is here to help. From data-informed strategies to radar solutions built for long-term impact, we’re proud to support the people who make safety a priority year-round.