(HealthDay)—More states are implementing multiple strategies to address the threats posed by distracted driving, according to a report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
The GHSA surveyed its members in late 2012 to examine how states were responding to the issue of distracted driving. Fifty states and the District of Columbia completed the survey.
According to the report, there has been an increase in the recognition of and emphasis on distracted driving as a highway safety priority. There was a 43 percent increase in the number of states that addressed distracted driving in their state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plans. In addition, many states have passed legislature relating to distracted driving, with specific laws against distracted driving in 47 states and the District of Columbia. More states reported collecting data related to distracted driving (46 states and the District of Columbia) to properly assess the magnitude of the problem. In 2012, 47 states and the District of Columbia reported having taken steps to educate the public about the dangers posed by distracted driving, a 26 percent increase from 2010; non-traditional media is increasingly being used in these campaigns. Many states are increasing the focus on teenagers and their parents. Forty-two states reported working with other agencies or private organizations to address issues relating to distracted driving, a 20 percent increase from 2000.
“This latest report confirms that states recognize the threat posed by distraction and are working hard in several areas to address it,†Jonathan Adkins, the executive director of the GHSA, said in a statement.
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