Focus Driven -- Advocates for Cell-Free Driving

National survivor-based organization dedicated to "raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving by putting a human face on the disastrous impact of this behavior."

distraction.gov -- New website from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administraton

Important up-to-date source for news, statistics, latest research, state and local laws, FAQ's, and media concerning the issue of distracted driving.

Hearing: "Addressing the Problem of Distacted Driving"

The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (a part of the House Commite on Transportation and Infrastructure) had a hearing to discuss distracted driving on Thursday, 10/29/09. 

Here is the briefing for the hearing, and a full summary of the subject matter.

Watch a video of the hearing here.  This page also provides the written testimonies of those present.

Witnesses and their order of appearance:

VIDEO PRESENTATION--Dr. Tom Dingus, Director, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

PANEL I--The Honorable Carolyn McCarthy, Congresswoman, New York, 4th District

PANEL II--The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation

PANEL III--Mr. Vernon F. Betkey, Jr., Chairman, Governors Highway Safety Association

                   Dr. Tom Dingus, Director, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

                   Mr. Bobby Franklin, Executive Vice President, CTIA- The Wireless Association®

                   Mr. John Ulczycki, Group Vice President- Research, Communications & Advocacy, National Safety Council

                   Mr. Randy Mullett, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Con-way Inc.

                   Mr. Robert Strassburger, Vice President of Safety & Harmonization, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

                   Mr. Edward Wytkind, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Also, you can read Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood's testimony from this and other hearings here.

Distracted Driving Summit--Videos Available

Over 80% of motor vehicle accidents occur because the driver is somehow distracted.  You've heard all the news lately about lawmakers, auto industry leaders, insurance companies, safety advocates, etc. pushing for some sort of resolution to the question:  Should texting/cell phone use be banned on the road?  Should other distractions be addressed in new laws? 

A distracted driving summit took place on 9/30-09--10/1/09.  Industry leaders, academics, safety advocates, and transportation officials of all kinds gathered in Washington D. C. to give presentations, panel discussions, and share their expertise to come to a better understanding of the issue. 

If you missed the live webcast, don't worry; archives will be available for a full year and can be viewed here.