House, Senate committees hold hearings on distracted driving

LaHood said there are three ways to approach the issues and dangers of distracted driving, which he said includes cell phones, putting on make-up, eating a hamburger and so forth. The three approaches are: education, personal responsibility, and enforcement. (The Trucker: BARB KAMPBELL)

By BARB KAMPBELL
The Trucker Staff

10/29/2009

WASHINGTON — Both houses of Congress are working with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on anti-texting legislation by introducing bills and by holding committee hearings with the Secretary as a presenter.

The U. S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation met Oct. 28 while the U.S. House of Representatives on Transportation and Infrastructure met Oct. 29.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y. introduced a bill last summer known as the “Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act,” SB 1536. Within six months of the bill’s passage, DOT would establish minimum penalties that must be contained within the state law. States then have two years to pass compliant bans or else risk losing 25 percent of their annual federal highway funding per year. This bill has been called the “stick” approach when juxtaposed with a bill introduced by Sen. John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV.

The Rockefeller bill, SB 1938, “Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009,” has been referred to as the “carrot” approach, as it would give states incentives to act, reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries, and keep Americans safe from destructive and irresponsible distracted drivers.

LaHood said there are three ways to approach the issues and dangers of distracted driving, which he said includes cell phones, putting on make-up, eating a hamburger and so forth. The three approaches are: education, personal responsibility, and enforcement.

In both the House and Senate committee meetings, LaHood said that legislation is needed. “I want to work with the House and Senate,” he said.

When queried on which of the two Senate bills he favored, LaHood had a quick reply.

“I believe in the carrot and stick approach,” he said.

LaHood repeatedly mentioned the “Click it or Ticket” seat belt campaign as well as what he referred to as “08.” The “Click it or Ticket” campaign has successfully reduced the number of drivers and passengers in vehicles who fail to buckle their seat belt.

The “08” reference is the driving under the influence campaign that has reduced the number of deaths and injuries due to drunk driving. The “08” refers to the 0.08 BAC or blood alcohol content. It is at 0.08 BAC that a driver is considered “under the influence” and therefore under arrest.

LaHood said that it is important to follow in the footsteps of both of those campaigns in order to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.

There is another bill that was introduced by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-NY, HR 3535 called “Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act of 2009” that would require states to enact legislation that prohibits drivers from writing, sending, reading, and instant message or e-mail. It would withhold 25 percent of federal highway funding if a state fails to enact such legislation within two years of passage.

LaHood made similar speeches during both committee meetings.

“Transportation safety is the department’s top priority,” LaHood said. “Texting is a deadly epidemic.  If we don’t take action it’s only going to get worse. I’m personally committed to reduce the number of fatalities.”

Barb Kampbell of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at barbkampbell@thetrucker.com.

Follow The Trucker on Twitter at www.twitter.com/truckertalk.