EDITORIAL: Feds jump into distracted driving debate

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On June 7, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a proposal that would apparently increase federal efforts to stop distracted driving.

Some states take distracted driving seriously and have banned texting while driving. Others have even gone as far as to ban talking on a cell phone while driving. But as of yet, there has been no coordinated federal effort to address the continuing problem. We think it’s a good thing that the feds are getting involved as well.

The proposed federal plan would put pressure on states to crack down on dangerous driving habits by enacting legislation and educating young adults on the importance of focusing on the road.

A couple of pilot programs, in Delaware and California, will help to kick off the campaign. The plans specifically target cell phone use (both texting and calling) by teenagers and young adults while driving.

According to research, many young drivers say they know texting while driving is dangerous yet they report that they take part in the behavior.

A recent survey indicated that 58 percent of high school seniors had texted or emailed while driving during the previous month. That’s a frightening statistic.

Distracted driving is a preventable behavior and every effort should be made to stop that habit early in a driver’s experience on the road.

LaHood’s announcement is another positive step in the right direction of protecting young drivers, and all drivers, from serious injury and even death.

Tags: opinion, editorials