Feds To Support State Distracted Driving Initiatives

That distracted driving, commonly the practice of driving while texting or talking by cell phone, has emerged as one of the top safety issues on the nation’s roadways has not gone unnoticed by state governments and state law enforcement officials. Many states have moved aggressively to crack down on distracted driving by passing a variety of laws aimed at discouraging the behavior. And many states are using sophisticated technology such as social networking to drive home the message that distracted driving kills.

Now they may be getting some help from the federal government. Congress soon may pass legislation that supports state efforts to educate drivers. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee recently approved legislation that would offer grants to states that enact laws prohibiting texting and using a handheld device while driving.

The legislation, S. 1938, sponsored by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., stipulates that 50 percent of the grant money a state receives must be used for education about the dangers of texting and using a cell phone while driving, for traffic signs about the state distracted driving law, and for enforcement of the law.

The bill also directs the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a Distracted Driving National Education Program, and directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a research program to study distracted driving by passenger and commercial vehicle drivers. The Federal Communications Commission also would have to submit a report to the Senate committee on distracted driving. Insurer associations say they support the bill.
Although states will no doubt welcome federal encouragement for the campaign against distracted driving, many already have moved aggressively to combat it.

A recent report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, “Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs,” is the first comprehensive look at state activities and programs designed to address distracted driving. That report found that distracted driving has emerged as a priority for state highway safety agencies. Twenty-seven states, D.C., and Guam indicated that distracted driving is included in their Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs). These plans reflect statewide highway safety priorities.
The GHSA says this is significant because these plans are only updated every few years and that already to have more than half of the states listing distraction as a priority reflects the states’ commitment on this serious issue.

In addition, the report found that states are moving quickly to put distracted driving laws on their books. The first state to ban text messaging was Washington in 2007. Now twenty-eight states, D.C. and Guam now ban text messaging by all drivers. Seven states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban hand-held cell phone use behind the wheel for all drivers. School bus drivers are prohibited from talking behind the wheel in 18 states and D.C.

Why all the fuss? Distracted driving kills. The NHTSA estimates distracted driving accounts for 6,000 deaths and at least 500,000 injuries every year. Safety and law enforcement officials worry that without educational programs, backed by laws that penalize distracted drivers, these numbers easily could escalate.

For drivers, the message is simple. Hang up and drive.

By: texlaw

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Jim Adler of Jim S. Adler & Associates is a Houston car accident attorney who works with outside and local counsel to litigate claims in all 50 states. Adler’s firm, Jim S. Adler & Associates, supports Safe Kids, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other safe driving campaigns. “Anyone harmed by a distracted driver -- or any driver – can obtain a free case review form on the Adler website to take the first step toward financial recovery,” says Adler.