August 10, 2005
New Report Finds State Legislatures Answering Call on Highway Safety
Cell phones, DVDs, TVs, navigation systems and personal grooming in cars gain legislators’ attention
DENVER – State legislatures are taking action to balance Americans' concerns about highway safety with their rights to use technology in automobiles, according to a new report released today by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Cell Phones and Highway Safety: 2005 State Legislative Update summarizes the actions state legislators have taken in 2005 on cell phones and driving. It includes federal, local and international activities as well.
In 2005, legislators in 39 states proposed 131 bills related to distracted driving, with legislation passing in 10 states so far.
While much of the focus remains on motorists using cell phones, the report shows that legislators have broadened the scope of the debate to examine other potential distractions such as DVD players, televisions, navigation systems, computers, personal grooming and more.
“Distracted driving remains a red hot topic in state legislatures all across the country,” said report author Matt Sundeen, who tracks distracted driving issues for NCSL's transportation program. “Cell phones, because of their high visibility, have been the focus of much state legislative activity. But now legislators are being increasingly challenged to examine and react to concerns about other activities that may also divert drivers’ attention.”
Several states in 2005 enacted laws that specifically restrict the use of televisions, video screens or video monitors in the vehicle. And some laws mention drivers’ reading, writing, personal grooming, interacting with pets, adjusting cargo and the like.
Sundeen said although it’s clear that both the use and complexity of technology in the car have increased, what remains disputed is the effect of that technology.
“There’s really little consensus about whether cell phones and other wireless devices pose a significant enough threat to public safety to justify legislative restrictions,” Sundeen said.
Proponents of restrictions argue that the unique distraction caused by the use of phones and other in-vehicle communication devices takes a driver’s attention away from the road more dangerously than do other activities. Unlike listening to CDs, eating or drinking, communications technologies require a driver to cognitively interact with the device, often for long periods of time. According to those who support restrictions, this use of cognitive functions can diminish the ability to focus on the task of driving.
Conversely, restriction opponents say wireless phones can be valuable tools. Phones help drivers make time spent in the car more productive and can be used to promote on-the-road safety programs such as the Amber Alert system or provide assistance in an emergency. Opponents also argue that there is little evidence that wireless phones are more distracting than other activities in the car.
Sundeen said as cell phones and other wireless devices in motor vehicles continue to increase in popularity, the driver distraction dialogue is likely to continue when state legislatures start their 2006 session.
The report also includes state automobile crash data, academic studies of risks, public opinion polls and appendices of state laws regarding distracted drivers. The report is available free of charge at www.ncsl.org/programs/transportation/cellphoneupdate05.htm.
NCSL, which tracks state legislation related to highway safety as part of an agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will hold a session on distracted driving legislation at its "Strong States, Strong Nation" 2005 Annual Meeting in Seattle August 16-20. Driver Distraction: How Much is Too Much will take place Thursday, August 18 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. at the Washington Trade & Convention Center in room 611. Attendance at NCSL's Annual Meeting is free to credentialed members of the media. This is one of 150 policy sessions that will take place at the meeting. For more information, visit the Annual Meeting for Journalists page at www.ncsl.org/programs/press/2005/home.htm
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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