Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) praised the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts in curbing distracted driving.  The DOT announced the first-ever federal guidelines to encourage automobile makers to “limit the distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices.”  Rep. Engel has his own legislation designed to prevent the dangerous, and growing, epidemic of distracted driving. 

Rep. Engel said that “Secretary Ray LaHood has called distracted driving a deadly epidemic and I agree.  The guidelines regarding factory installed devices are a great first step from the Administration in taking on such an important safety issue.” 

The DOT distraction guidelines include recommendations to:

·         Reduce complexity and task length required by the device;

·         Limit device operation to one hand only (leaving the other hand to remain on the steering wheel to control the vehicle);

·         Limit unnecessary visual information in the driver’s field of view;

·         Limit the amount of manual inputs required for device operation

Rep. Engel’s Distracted Driving Prevention Act (H.R. 1772) would fund driver education and highway signage, two programs instrumental in reducing driving under the influence (DWI) incidents, and increasing the use of seat belts.   The “click it, or ticket” campaign on seat belt use accomplished a great deal towards providing awareness to the dangers of driving without a seat belt.  This legislation works towards a similar goal.

Rep. Engel added, “You think it would be common sense to focus on your driving rather than on typing on a tiny keypad.  However, we all know that is not the case, and this legislation would simply help save lives.  Sadly, incidents of texting while driving accidents continue daily.  I urge my colleagues to support it.”

Rep. Engel’s bill would also create a national advertising campaign, administered by the NHTSA, to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving.  While texting is the most disturbing method of distracted driving because it requires the driver to be involved visually, manually and cognitively, other potentially dangerous practices include:

• Using a cell phone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a PDA or navigation system
• Watching a video
• Changing the radio station, CD or Mp3 player.

New York State has already passed a comprehensive ban on using cell phones and mobile devices while driving.  It is illegal for drivers to use handheld electronic devices while their vehicle is in motion, and cell phone use requires a hands-free device.  Rep. Engel’s legislation would bring a New York-style law to the nation.

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