DISTRACTED DRIVING TAKES CENTER STAGE IN WASHINGTON
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THE STANDUP ACT IS INCLUDED IN THE DEBATE
Greetings!
In this e-update ...
TESTIMONY ON TEEN DRIVER SAFETY BEFORE HOUSE COMMITTEE
DISTRACTED DRIVING ... A HOT TOPIC IN CONGRESS
A lot has happened this month in the media and in Congress on topic of distracted driving. This ongoing debate has thus far included the red-hot issue of texting while driving, as well as drivers' use of mobile phones, iPods/mp3 players, GPS devices, and other electronic distractions; distractions specific to commercial drivers; and the unique dangers of distractions for teen drivers.
One of the most effective legislative strategies for addressing the dangers of distracted driving among novice teen drivers is a strong and comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) law which bans the use of all communications devices and restricts teen passengers. We are working to ensure that teen driver safety is included in the debate on measures to reduce driver distraction.
On September 30 and October 1, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood hosted a Distracted Driving Summit to address the dangers of text-messaging and other distractions behind the wheel. Senior transportation officials, elected officials, safety advocates, families who have lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes, law enforcement representatives, and academics were involved in the discussion.
On October 1, President Obama issued Executive Order 13513, prohibiting federal employees from text messaging while driving government vehicles; while driving private vehicles on government business; or when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving at any time.
On October 27, Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV) introduced S. 1938, a bill that would establish a program to reduce injuries and deaths caused by cellphone use and texting while driving. S. 1938 includes the provisions in the STANDUP Act banning the use of electronic communications devices by teen drivers.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) also introduced legislation on distracted driving earlier this year, and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) has sponsored a companion bill in the House. The Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers (ALERT Drivers) Act, S. 1536 / H.R. 3535, would withhold a percentage of federal highway funding from states without a law prohibiting an individual from sending or receiving text messages while operating a motor vehicle. Senators Rockefeller and Schumer have publicly stated that they plan to work together to combine provisions in both their bills.
This week, two hearings were held on the topic of distracted driving, with strong interest expressed by Senate and House members about the dangers and deadly risks of teen drivers engaged in distracting activities such as texting and cell phone use: one hearing in the and the other hearing in the . Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety submitted testimony for the record to the House Subcommittee; In the testimony we emphasize that legislation has been introduced with bi-partisan support in the House, H.R. 1895 (the STANDUP Act), that includes provisions recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board to protect novice teen drivers from the threat of distraction.
Representative Tim Bishop (D-NY), sponsor of H.R. 1895 and a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, issued a powerful statement for the hearing about the need to pass the STANDUP Act as part of the surface transportation bill. He also stated that the provisions of H.R. 1895 complement other legislative proposals to address distracted driving. Rep. Bishop relied on Advocates testimony about the effectiveness of sanctions when he questioned Secretary LaHood and other witnesses.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE STANDUP ACT?
As mentioned above, the ban on use of electronic communication devices by teen drivers has been included in S. 1938, introduced earlier this week by Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV).
We are continuing to work with bill sponsors and leadership to ensure that the components of the STANDUP Act, in whole or in part, are included in any federal distracted driving legislation.
Currently there is speculation that the omnibus transportation reauthorization bill that expires this year may be taken up sometime in the first half of 2010, rather than facing an 18 month delay. Administration and Senate leaders are backing away from their previous position to delay consideration, but no announcements have been made about when the bill will be on the schedule. Whenever the reauthorization begins to move, we will work to have the components of the STANDUP Act added to the bill. Stay tuned... this effort will require your help and support.
In the meantime, we continue our efforts to build bi-partisan support for the STANDUP Act. Your help is needed to push for passage and add co-sponsors for H.R. 1895.
Please contact if you know teens or families willing to contact legislators on this issue.
In The News: Recent crashes involving teen drivers
Staten Island, New York (October 26, 2009)
Fairbanks Ranch, California (October 26, 2009)
Fort Mill, South Carolina (October 18, 2009)
Springfield, Missouri (October 10, 2009)
Thank you for supporting the Saferoads4teens Coalition!
Jenny Cheek Saferoads4teens Coalition
202-408-1711 ext. 15
!MPACT Supports The STANDUP Act
The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009 (STANDUP Act) would establish minimum federal requirements for state GDL laws and encourage all states to adopt GDL laws that meet those minimum requirements within 3 years.
For 3 years following enactment of the STANDUP Act, states with the minimum GDL requirements would receive grants to help them with GDL education and enforcement.
For states that don't comply with the STANDUP Act minimum requirements within three years, the Secretary of Transportation would withhold a percentange of certain federal highway construction program funds. Funds that are withheld would be returned to states that comply within 3 fiscal years following the fiscal year for which funds were withheld. Withheld funds that are not recovered by a state within the 3-year period would be forteited and returned to the U.S. Treasury.
A lot has happened this month in the media and in Congress on topic of distracted driving. This ongoing debate has thus far included the red-hot issue of texting while driving, as well as drivers' use of mobile phones, iPods/mp3 players, GPS devices, and other electronic distractions; distractions specific to commercial drivers; and the unique dangers of distractions for teen drivers.
