Feds Launch National “Distracted Driver” Crackdown

The National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration writes:

For the past decade, distracted driving has taken U.S. roadways by storm, endangering not only the distracted drivers, but their passengers, pedestrians and others using the road.

When we’re behind the wheel, we must focus on one task: safe driving. Anytime you shift your attention from driving, you’re distracted.

Distracted driving comes in many forms: adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking.

But it’s cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — that is the most common distraction.

Texting, which includes messaging, is considered the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it combines visual, manual and cognitive distraction.

NHTSA’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel.

In 49 states, as well as Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal.

From April 4-8, you will see an increase in police enforcing texting and distracted-driving laws.

In 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and and nearly 290,000 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

Read the full press release.