Mother’s Day is all about showing appreciation for mom, whether through a phone call or a hug at brunch. But while our hearts are in the right place, our phones often aren’t. Distractions on the road are notably higher on Mother’s Day, especially handheld calls.

A study by VIP Communications found that Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year for phone calls, with Americans making 11.3% more phone calls than on an average day.

Mother’s Day is also the biggest Sunday of the year for restaurants. Toast reports that the holiday sees 51% more diners than a typical Sunday, with 37% of dining occurring between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The increase in handheld phone calls and last-minute brunch coordination in the family chat can lead to more distracted driving. CMT data reveals distracted driving spikes significantly on Mother’s Day, specifically during the morning and early afternoon hours — a trend that would surely worry Mom.

We analyzed distracted driving on Mother’s Day from 2022 to 2024. We looked at two types of phone distraction: screen interaction and handheld call time. CMT defines screen interaction as tapping on the phone screen while driving over 9 mph, and handheld call time refers to phone calls where audio is coming from the device while the car is moving. 

Are drivers calling Mom on the road?

CMT found that handheld call time rises 6.6% in handheld calls on Mother’s Day compared to typical Sundays. The biggest increase occurs between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. — skyrocketing 22% higher than a typical Sunday. Handheld call time remains elevated by 13.4% through 2:00 p.m. This surge in handheld calls could be “Happy Mother’s Day” wishes.

The increase in handheld calls while driving is dangerous. Talking on the phone leads to the most severe crashes among distracted drivers. CMT has found that crashes involving a handheld call within 10 seconds of impact occur at 31% higher speeds than distraction-free crashes.

Drivers are interacting with their phones more overall

Beyond drivers spending more time making phone calls, they’re also spending more time using their phones behind the wheel on Mother’s Day. Phone screen interaction starts rising as early as 6:00 a.m. By 9:00 a.m., screen interaction is up 12.5% compared to the average Sunday. Distraction levels hit 2 minutes and 31 seconds at 12:00 p.m., the time with the highest number of drivers throughout the day. The distraction gap on Mother’s Day remains throughout the afternoon, though falling almost every hour until 8:00 p.m., when it subsides to normal levels.

The surges in distraction align with Mother’s Day brunch and lunch — and an overall increase in social activities.

Give Mom what she really wants — a safe drive

CMT’s data shows that drivers are more likely to take their attention off the road on Mother’s Day. Let’s celebrate Mom this year and every year by making sure everyone’s safe and sound. Plan ahead and keep your eyes on the road. If you’re calling Mom, wait until you’re home safe. She’ll prefer it that way.