If you're driving at 55 miles per hour and you take your eyes off the road for just five seconds, you've traveled the length of a football field blindfolded. A lot could happen in those few seconds.

AAA is sharing that statistic to send a message during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, due to data collection limitations, the numbers are likely underreported, so the death toll is likely much higher.

AAA's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) reveals that 93% of drivers recognize the dangers of texting, emailing and reading while driving, but many continue to engage in these activities behind the wheel. In fact, 27% of drivers reported sending texts or emails while 37% admitted to reading a text or email and 36% reported holding and talking on the phone while driving in the past 30 days.

Spectrum News 1's Breanna Fuss spoke with AAA and New York State Police about this troubling trend.