"Distracted driving" refers to any non-driving activity that takes drivers' attention away from the safe operation of their vehicles. Talking and texting on a cell phone while driving have emerged as two of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. This article describes what the U.S. Department of Transportation is doing to combat this widespread epidemic of dangerous behaviour. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has launched a nationwide effort to end distracted driving. Efforts to date include a 2009 Distracted Driving Summit that brought together transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives, members of Congress, industry representatives, academics, and young adults in an effort to start solving the problem. The USDOT has also launched or cooperated with efforts that focus on law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, legislation, technology, and research surveys. Although nothing can completely eliminate the dangerous choices drivers make on the road, the USDOT hopes that a consistent combination of education, effective enforcement, a committed judiciary, and collective efforts by local, State, and national advocates will help mitigate the problem of distracted driving. (Author/publisher)
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