No other day commands America’s attention quite like Super Bowl Sunday. In 2025, a record 127.7 million people tuned in to watch the big game. But before millions settle in front of the TV, the lead-up to the Super Bowl may draw drivers’ focus away from the road.

Super Bowl Sunday has historically been a high-risk day for serious crashes. According to NHTSA data, the big day has averaged 102 traffic fatalities since 2018, 17% higher than a typical February day.

What’s driving this increase in crashes?

CMT’s latest analysis examines phone motion distraction and speeding across 3.5 million trips on Super Bowl Sunday in 2025, comparing it to the two Sundays before and after the game. We found that these dangerous road behaviors follow the increase in traffic fatalities. As kickoff approaches, distracted driving surges 13.3%, while speeding increases 16%.

CMT defines phone motion distraction as when a phone moves with its screen on while a vehicle is in motion.

Distraction spikes before kickoff

Distracted driving rises steadily through the afternoon on Super Bowl Sunday, perhaps as drivers juggle last-minute errands and party prep for the game. From noon to 4:00 p.m., distraction increases 7.1%, growing from 1 minute and 42 seconds to 1 minute and 49 seconds of phone motion per driving hour.

The increase accelerates in the hour before kickoff, when many drivers may be traveling for Super Bowl gatherings. At 5:00 p.m., distracted driving peaks at 13.3% above typical levels. During the 6:00 p.m. hour, when the game kicks off, distraction remains elevated by 8%.

As the game gets underway, distraction eases. At 7:00 p.m., distraction is slightly higher than usual, but the gap narrows to 1.8% above typical levels. From 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., when the game is in full swing, distraction falls by 5.5% below normal levels.

After the game wraps up and drivers head home, distraction surges again, increasing by 12.9% at 11:00 p.m. 

Speeding’s also in the red zone 

Speeding follows a similar pattern. From noon to 4:00 p.m., speeding increases 7.3%, then spikes 16% the hour before kickoff, rising from 2 minutes and 45 seconds to 3 minutes and 11 seconds per driving hour.

At 6:00 p.m., speeding remains elevated at 15.1% above typical levels. Once the game is fully underway, speeding drops, falling 1.2% below normal. But like distraction, speeding resurges after the game, increasing by 10.4%. 

The most important drive of the gameday happens before kickoff.

Before Super Bowl 60 kicks off, staying focused and slowing down helps ensure everyone arrives for the game. So, stay safe, focus on the road if you’re traveling, and enjoy the game.