Making sure drivers keep their eyes on the road will require a network of tough laws, enforcement by police and personal responsibility, the U.S. government said Tuesday.
Obama administration officials said during a second summit on distracted driving that it had made progress in pushing states to target drivers who send text messages and use mobile devices from the road, but too many people are being killed because of inattentive motorists.
"Every time someone takes their focus off the road — even if it's just for a moment — they put their lives and the lives of others in danger," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Thirty states and the Washington distric prohibit drivers from texting behind the wheel; eight states have passed laws barring drivers from using handheld cell phones. Nearly 5,500 people were killed last year in distracted driving crashes.
The summit brought together government leaders, safety advocates and business groups to discuss ways of reducing distracted driving.
LaHood suggested the technology industry could place warning labels — "the way we put warning labels on cigarettes" — on the boxes of mobile phones urging consumers not to use the devices while driving.
The transportation secretary noted that automakers were adding in-vehicle technology that allows drivers to update their Facebook page, surf the Internet "or do any number of other things instead of driving safely."
LaHood noted that automakers were adding in-vehicle technology that allows drivers to update their Facebook page, surf the Internet "or do any number of other things instead of driving safely."
"Features that pull drivers' hands, eyes and attention away from the road are distractions," said LaHood. He told reporters the technology could create a "cognitive distraction" and he would meet with auto companies to develop new safety guidelines for technology in vehicles.
Ford Motor Co. has marketed its in-car entertainment and communication service, known as Sync, and General Motors Co. recently announced plans to give its OnStar safety system better voice recognition so drivers could verbally connect with the Internet.
Automakers have said voice-activated systems are safer for drivers than trying to manipulate applications on their mobile devices.
As part of the summit, the Transportation Department proposed barring truck drivers from sending text messages while hauling hazardous materials. The proposal would close a loophole for hazardous material haulers not covered by separate rules being finalized that prohibit commercial bus and truck drivers from sending text messages on the job.
Safety advocates are trying to replicate the success of campaigns in the 1980s that helped reduce drunken driving deaths and increased the use of seat belts.
Legislation is pending in Congress to push all states to ban texting by drivers. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, said she was hopeful the Senate would consider the measure before the end of 2010.
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Online:
Transportation Department: www.distraction.gov
