The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), including the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), is working with other entities to provide input to a research roadmap to address new distracted driving challenges.
Distraction is a known contributing factor to the national roadway safety crisis, according to USDOT, and the Distraction Action Forum hosted by NHTSA is part of the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), the Department’s initiative to bring the number of roadway deaths to the only acceptable number: zero.
At a recent forum hosted by USDOT, the organizations discussed how the traffic safety community can reduce distracted driving, and gained insight from experts on NHTSA research, policy, education, and communications activities focused on distraction.
“Driving while distracted has become a significant challenge in vehicles, even more so than back in 2010 when USDOT began its Distraction Program,” said Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary, in a statement. “Back then most people still had flip phones and cars had buttons and knobs. As technology changes how we interact with our vehicles and our world, this forum will help us do more to help drivers stay engaged in the driving task in modern cars with advanced safety features.”
“Distracted driving is not only deadly but entirely preventable. We all have the power to stop distracted driving, and NHTSA is committed to working with all safety stakeholders to find solutions,” said Sophie Shulman, NHTSA Deputy Administrator, in a statement.
The Department also announced 17 new commitments from businesses and organizations to support the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and take action to reverse the crisis on America’s roads, bringing the total number of Allies in Action to over 180.
All Allies in Action have committed to taking specific, tangible steps to actively reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on America’s roads and streets, expand the adoption of a Safe System Approach and vision for zero fatalities vision across the nation, and transform how we as a nation think about road safety.
Some of the new voluntary commitments from “Allies in Action” include:
- StopDistractions.org will facilitate greater awareness for road safety as the voice of distracted driving crash victims by providing support and an outlet to engage in the national conversation.
- The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), on behalf of its 1,600+ members, advocates for the passage of legislation that prioritizes safety measures for vulnerable road users and integrates Travel Demand Management (TDM) principles into transportation policy.
- The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) top goal is to ensure all travelers arrive safely at their destination.
- The International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of tolled and priced road facilities, has launched its “Be Safe Together” campaign to encourage safe driving practices on roads around the world.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA.com
