[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 63 (Monday, April 11, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E379-E380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              OBSERVING DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 11, 2022

  Mr. KIRSHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join thousands of 
organizations and individuals around the country in observation of 
Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Over ten years ago, a mother who 
lost her daughter to a distracted driving crash successfully petitioned 
this body to have April officially designated as Distracted Driving 
Awareness Month. This month brings a needed awareness of the impact 
distracted driving has had and continues to have on our nation's 
roadways.
  Research shows that using electronic devices increases cognitive 
distraction. Yet, according to a recent survey released by the National 
Safety Council--a nonprofit based in my district--47% of drivers 
believe they can safely text while driving. This can be deadly on the 
road, where a split-second distraction can cause a crash. Approximately 
3,142 people died in distraction-affected driving crashes in 2020--
that's eight people dying every day from a completely preventable 
cause--and this number is widely believed to be undercounted.
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the roads have become much more 
dangerous. Motor vehicle deaths in 2021 are estimated to be the highest 
in 17 years, despite dramatic drops in miles driven as Americans stayed 
home. Though there are many factors involved in this increase in the 
number of people dying in crashes, distraction certainly played a part.
  I am proud to have led legislation that was enacted last year to help 
end this epidemic, though there is more to be done to eradicate this 
issue. I encourage all motorists to commit to driving attentively and 
safely, without the distraction of cell phones or other devices. I also 
hope my colleagues will join me this month in raising awareness about 
this important issue. Do it for all our constituents. Their lives are 
more valuable than any call, email, or text.

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