[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DISTRACTED DRIVING MONTH

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2020

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join thousands of 
organizations and individuals around the country in observation of 
Distracted Driving Awareness Month. First recognized by Congress 10 
years ago, this commemoration brings attention to the persistent 
problem of distraction on our Nation's roadways.
  More than 700 people still die or are injured every day in the U.S. 
as a result of distracted driving crashes. According to a recent survey 
released by the National Safety Council--a nonprofit based in my 
district--only 62 percent of drivers were ``very willing'' to obey 
state laws preventing cell phone use. This tells me drivers fail to see 
the dangers of distracted driving.
  Research shows that using electronic devices increases cognitive 
distraction. This can be deadly on the road, where a split-second 
distraction can cause a crash. Approximately 2,841 people died in 
distraction-affected driving crashes in 2018--that's eight people every 
day dying from a completely preventable cause--and this is widely 
believed to be undercounted as many states do not include the option on 
crash reports to document distracted driving. We have to close these 
gaps, and that starts with raising awareness.
  Despite a decrease in traffic volume during the pandemic, crash 
fatality rates have risen at an alarming level, with estimates that the 
rate of death on our roadways was 20 percent higher in the first six 
months of 2020 versus the same time period last year. We've taken cars 
off the roads, but we haven't reaped any safety benefit.
  Recognizing these dangerous trends, last year I was proud to 
introduce the SAFE TO DRIVE Act with my colleagues Mr. Gallagher and 
Mr. Cohen, to incentivize states to pass laws eliminating distraction 
on our roadways. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting 
passage of this legislation. We need it now more than ever.
  As we mark the 10th Anniversary of Distracted Driving Awareness 
Month, I encourage all motorists to commit to driving attentively and 
safely and to avoid using cell phones and in-vehicle technology that 
take attention off the task of driving. I also hope my colleagues will 
join me this month in raising awareness about this important issue. Do 
it for all of our constituents. Their lives are more valuable than any 
call, email, or text.

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