Thursday, October 29, 2009
Senate, House transportation committees address distracted driving
Members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Oct. 28 announced a new bill that would provide incentive grants to states that enact bans on text messaging while driving and other cell phone restrictions while driving.
During a hearing on combating distracted driving, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation would create a new program to send grants to states, which she said "better understand the unique solutions needed to combat this disturbing trend in transportation, and help make our roads safer." Meanwhile, Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) is gaining support for a bill that would reduce federal highway funding by 25 percent to states that do not pass laws banning TWD.
During an Oct. 29 hearing of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood reaffirmed his commitment to aggressively and quickly reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving. He also said he had met with auto industry leaders to discuss ways in-car technology could prevent distraction. In addition, the subcommittee heard testimony from a panel of safety, research and auto industry experts, including John Ulczycki, group vice president of research, communications and advocacy for the National Safety Council.