Governors’ association releases distracted driving report

Washington – A newly released report provides an overview of distracted driving for state officials, including effective countermeasures that states can employ to reduce the behavior.

Released July 7, the Governors Highway Safety Association’s report (.pdf file) covers the various types of distracted driving – including visual and auditory – and details the effects that distractions have on drivers.

The report cites studies indicating nearly one-third of all drivers in a crash were distracted. While noting the lack of evidence showing that cell phone or texting bans have reduced crashes, the report recommends states enact a texting ban for all drivers and a complete cell phone ban for novice drivers. Additionally, the report stressed that states should enforce existing laws, implement distracted driving communication programs, and assist companies in the development and implementation of distracted driving programs.