It is estimated that the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting is nearly 5 seconds, or about the length of a football field when traveling 55 mph. Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into an accident than one who is not. Using a phone while driving causes 1.6 million crashes every year while 14% of all fatal crashes involve cell phone use. In 2018, 4,637 people died in car accidents linked to cell phone use. The estimated societal damage resulting from texting and driving is $129 billion annually including property damage and associated expenses. Over 84% of drivers recognize the danger from cell phone distractions and find it unacceptable that drivers text or send emails while driving. Even so, 36% of these same people admit to having read or sent a text message or e-mail while driving in the previous month.

Pending Legislation: H.R.3677 - Distracted Driving Education Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY)
Status: House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (Transportation and Infrastructure)
Chair: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR)

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