Time to stop distracted driving

ow many deaths are too many? In late June, the U. S. House of

Representatives voted down an amendment sponsored by Rep. Gerry

Connolly (D-Va) that would “reduce the growing carnage on the nation’s highways

due to distracted driving.” The vote was 222-175, with all but 10 House

Republicans voting against the measure.

The amendment promoted public awareness campaigns, prevention, and

research—all of which are desperately needed. Each year distracted drivers cause

6,000 fatalities and half million injuries.

The leading distraction is cell phone use. According to the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration, “at any point during the day, 11 percent of drivers

are talking on cell phones.” These drivers, University of Utah researchers say, are

driving drunk. Their impairment is equivalent to an alcohol level of 0.08. And if

they are texting, they are 23 times more likely to crash than a non-distracted driver.

Public opinion strongly supports the banning of both texting and handheld cell

phones. The National Safety Council reports that popular approval is growing for a

total ban on cell phone use. Elected representatives must set aside their political

differences and enact measures that curb the distracted driving epidemic.

H