Last week, I announced that DOT would convene a summit in late September on distracted driving. Well, I must have touched a nerve, because the response has been enthusiastic and overwhelmingly supportive.
And now that we're getting toward back-to-school time, children all over the country will soon return to our roadways and sidewalks and crosswalks. So, it seems more important than ever to share with you the scope of the response to the upcoming summit and the message that distracted driving is just too dangerous.
Below is a news segment from WTHI in Indiana about one local program trying to raise awareness of this important message.
Everywhere I've gone since the announcement, people have been telling me the distracted driving horror stories they've witnessed or been victims of. And I mean everywhere. Everywhere I look, I read of an organization or a news editor echoing my call to end this dangerous practice.
Something powerful is going on: Americans are waking up to the danger we risk when we turn our attention from the road for even a moment.
Suddenly, everyone--Automakers, safety advocates, motorists' associations, insurance companies, school officials, trucking industry groups, lawyers for victims, lawyers for drivers, parents of victims, children of victims, law enforcement agencies; newspapers, websites, bloggers, tweeters, newsletters, television networks--is saying the same thing: distracted driving needs to stop.
Folks, I don't know what's going to come from the summit--I only know that too many people are being injured or killed by something that is completely within our own ability to stop. And I look forward to reporting back from the summit on this page next month.
In the meantime, please remember:
Letting your concentration drift, for any reason, while driving, endangers your life and the lives of others.
So, as our children head back to their schoolday routines, I ask you--as Secretary of Transportation, yes, but also as the grandfather of nine wonderful kids--please, let's keep our eyes and our minds on the road.
Something powerful is going on: Americans are waking up to the danger we risk when we turn our attention from the road for even a moment.
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Posted by: error fix | August 25, 2010 at 02:44 AM
This really is a majot problem all over the world, at the start of the year my son ended up having an accident because he was texting while driving and he was only 17. Thank goodness he was ok but he has leant a valuable lesson and thank god nobody else was involved.
Posted by: John Roberts | August 29, 2010 at 01:52 PM
there are too many ppl being killed by something we can actually help to stop.
Posted by: chair pads and cushions | September 13, 2010 at 06:41 PM
Automakers, safety advocates, motorists' associations, insurance companies, school officials, trucking industry groups, lawyers for victims, lawyers for drivers, parents of victims, children of victims, law enforcement agencies; newspapers, websites, bloggers, tweeters, newsletters, television networks--is saying the same thing: distracted driving needs to stop.
Posted by: kids trundle bed | September 14, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents all over the world, we should be more careful while driving
Posted by: electronic cigarettes | September 15, 2010 at 12:57 AM
One of the leading causes of distracted driving is the use of cell phone. Undoubtedly, the benefits provided by cell phones have made our lives easier and connected but improper use of it has its own negative impact.
Posted by: Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer | September 24, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Auto accidents occur every day across the nation and are caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive speed, failure to obey rules of the road, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and distracted driving. It is relatively easy for drivers to become distracted while behind the wheel, and unfortunately, if a driver causes an accident while driving in a distracted state, he or she may be held liable for injuries and property damage.
Posted by: Denver Bars | September 29, 2010 at 07:56 AM
Driving in traffic is more than just knowing how to operate the mechanisms which control the vehicle; it requires knowing how to apply the rules of the road (which govern safe and efficient sharing with other users). An effective driver also has an intuitive understanding of the basics of vehicle handling and can drive responsibly.
Posted by: Paper Shredder | March 04, 2011 at 04:56 PM
Undoubtedly, the benefits provided by cell phones have made our lives easier and connected but improper use of it has its own negative impact.
Posted by: Best Florist of India | June 27, 2011 at 07:14 AM