Alabama Distracted Driving Summit tackles an important challenge

Today I addressed the Alabama Distracted Driving Summit hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham's University Transportation Center. It's great to see UAB working to solve this problem, and I wholeheartedly support the one-day session's three goals:

1. Describe the scope and nature of the distracted driving problem
2. Identify meaningful ways to increase public awareness of the safety issues associated with distracted driving
3. Identify and review legislative and regulatory approaches for addressing distracted driving in Alabama

These goals seems both useful and manageable. Indeed, I cannot imagine why any of the states that have yet to take meaningful steps against distracted driving would not host similar sessions. And soon.

And the Birmingham Times agrees:

"Lawmakers might ignore the problem, but that doesn't make the problem go away. Conscientious lawmakers must make every effort to attend the Alabama Distracted Driving Summit and learn about this issue."

Three days ago, a woman in upstate New York was killed when her car collided with a tractor-trailer at an intersection. Distracted driving. Three weeks ago, a Texas teenager died after driving her station wagon into a tractor-trailer. Distracted driving.

Some transportation accidents are caused by mechanical failure, harsh weather, or other factors beyond our immediate control. But distracted driving is a consequence of behavior.

And there are proven strategies to help us deal with this.

Today, Alabama's stakeholders will work on those strategies. Tomorrow, I hope the other states will follow.

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

Alabama is the first state to take the first step to deal with this problem since the federal summit. That is a good thing and the other states should follow. California is only 1 of 4 or 5 states in the whole country to have a state law that says no cell phone use while driving and you pay a fine if you are caught doing it. The fine is not large but it could make the cost of your car insurance go up alot. I think there will be a strong fight against any state, county, or city laws or ordinances concerning driving and cell phone use in the south and the Rocky Mountain West. Trying to convence people in these areas not to use the cell phone while driving is likely to get the same response as gun control proposals do. Most regions of the country and most people do support ending driving and cell phone use and more will when they hear the damage it does. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey

[Cheaper Car Insurance]

I think this is a very important issue, and it is good that Alabama is taking the initiative to address the problems with distractions while driving.

[Cheaper Car Insurance]

By distracted driving, i automatically think of cell phones. They really need to be outlawed while driving in all states. Opera just did a whole show on it.

[Cheap Car Insurance]

Well the federal government is certainly leading by example. President Obama signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they’re on official government business. The order also encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own policies banning texting while driving on the job.

[Cheap Car Insurance]

Killed by a tractor really? This is an extremely important issue, that other states need to start focusing on now.

[Car Insurance Lady]

We should privatize the ownership of highways, at least partially, that way there would be an incentive to improve them.

[Life Insurance Quotes]

I am glad to see Mr. LaHood's focus on describing the scope and nature of the distracted driving problem. It's bigger than most people might think. He's right to get involved with identifying meaningful ways to increase public awareness of the safety issues associated with distracted driving. This is critical! The more people who know about this, the safer we all will be. Here's hoping that Mr. LaHood finds solid legislative and regulatory approaches for addressing distracted driving in Alabama. Our firm is stand behind Mr. LaHood in his efforts to save more lives in Alabama.

[Cheap insurance]

We guess it needs to have a policy before driving. Then it will not help in car accident if you are without auto insurance coverage.

[Massachusetts Auto Insurance]

Identify and review legislative and regulatory approaches for addressing distracted driving in Alabama

[Massachusetts Auto Insurance]

University Transportation Center. It's great to see UAB working to solve this problem, and I wholeheartedly support the one-day session's three goals:

[Free Beat Maker]

I think its crucial like with other areas and problems increasing public awareness of the specific issues,like this blog does.