Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of Distracted Driving Month

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join thousands of organizations and individuals around the country in observation of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. First recognized by Congress 10 years ago, this commemoration brings attention to the persistent problem of distraction on our Nation's roadways.

More than 700 people still die or are injured every day in the U.S. as a result of distracted driving crashes. According to a recent survey released by the National Safety Council--a nonprofit based in my district--only 62 percent of drivers were ``very willing'' to obey state laws preventing cell phone use. This tells me drivers fail to see the dangers of distracted driving.

Research shows that using electronic devices increases cognitive distraction. This can be deadly on the road, where a split-second distraction can cause a crash. Approximately 2,841 people died in distraction-affected driving crashes in 2018--that's eight people every day dying from a completely preventable cause--and this is widely believed to be undercounted as many states do not include the option on crash reports to document distracted driving. We have to close these gaps, and that starts with raising awareness.

Despite a decrease in traffic volume during the pandemic, crash fatality rates have risen at an alarming level, with estimates that the rate of death on our roadways was 20 percent higher in the first six months of 2020 versus the same time period last year. We've taken cars off the roads, but we haven't reaped any safety benefit.

Recognizing these dangerous trends, last year I was proud to introduce the SAFE TO DRIVE Act with my colleagues Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Cohen, to incentivize states to pass laws eliminating distraction on our roadways. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting passage of this legislation. We need it now more than ever.

As we mark the 10th Anniversary of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, I encourage all motorists to commit to driving attentively and safely and to avoid using cell phones and in-vehicle technology that take attention off the task of driving. I also hope my colleagues will join me this month in raising awareness about this important issue. Do it for all of our constituents. Their lives are more valuable than any call, email, or text.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source