LaHood announces second National Distracted Driving Summit

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that the second National Distracted Driving Summit will be held on September 21, 2010, in Washington, DC. To build on the growing momentum sparked by the first summit last fall, LaHood will convene leading transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researchers, and victims affected by distraction-related crashes to address challenges and identify opportunities for national anti-distracted driving efforts.

“Working together, we can put an end to the thousands of needless deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving each year,” said LaHood. “By getting the best minds together, I believe we can figure out how to get people to put down their phones and pay attention to the road.”

Last fall, LaHood sparked a national conversation on distracted driving when he held the first summit. The Obama Administration immediately committed to lead by example, by enacting an Executive Order banning all text messaging by four million federal employees while they’re driving government-owned vehicles, while driving any vehicle on official government business, or using mobile devices issued by the government while behind the wheel.

At this year’s event, experts from around the country will explore accomplishments since our first summit, as well as the many challenges that lie ahead. Key topics will include research, technology, policy, public outreach, and best practices in enforcement.

28 July 2010