U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a September summit in Washington, D.C., which will include senior transportation officials, elected officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives and academics, to address the dangers of text-messaging and other distractions behind the wheel.

"If it were up to me, I would ban drivers from texting, but unfortunately, laws aren't always enough," said Sec. LaHood. "We've learned from past safety awareness campaigns that it takes a coordinated strategy combining education and enforcement to get results. That's why this meeting with experienced officials, experts and law enforcement will be such a crucial first step in our efforts to put an end to distracted driving."

A number of deadly accidents involving text messaging behind the wheel have called attention to the dangerous problem of distracted driving. Last year, a commuter train crash in California involving an operator who was texting on a cell phone killed 25 people and injured 135 others. In another incident, a Florida truck driver admitted to texting moments before a collision with a school bus that killed a student.

For information and updates on next month's summit, visit: www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit/.

 METRO TV: Watch an interview with Secretary LaHood on the topic of distracted driving.

 

 

About the author
Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Editorial

Our team of enterprising editors brings years of experience covering the fleet industry. We offer a deep understanding of trends and the ever-evolving landscapes we cover in fleet, trucking, and transportation.  

View Bio
0 Comments