Contact: Jordan Dunn
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI-08) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) yesterday introduced the States Afforded Funding Extensions To Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE). This bill would reallocate already appropriated funds to create two grants that help states acquire funding to combat distracted driving. Distracted driving – driving while also trying to text, call, clean, eat, or undertake any other activity – killed nearly 4,000 people and injured over 400,000 in 2016. Click HERE for bill text.
“It’s no surprise that our increasing reliance on cell phones has led to increased rates of distracted driving,” said Congressman Gallagher. “By giving states the resources they need to educate drivers about this threat and enforce their laws on distracted driving, the grants created in the SAFE TO DRIVE Act will help states reverse this trend. I’m proud to join Congressman Krishnamoorthi in introducing this common-sense legislation to better keep Americans safe on our nation’s roads.”
“I am proud to help lead this legislative effort to curb distracted driving numbers and save lives all across our country,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “While distracted driving has always been an issue, the prevalence of cell phones has dramatically increased its pervasiveness and the chances of dangerous collisions it creates. We need smart solutions to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and to enforce common-sense laws, and these grants will do just that.”
“Distracted driving is a persistent threat to every motorist’s safety,” said Nick Smith, interim president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “To change behavior, states need a combination of education, legislation and strong enforcement. All three are possible with the grants provided under the SAFE TO DRIVE Act. We applaud Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Gallagher for their leadership on this issue, especially as we close out Distracted Driving Awareness Month.”
The SAFE TO DRIVE Act is endorsed by several organizations, including: Allstate Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, State Farm Insurance, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and the National Safety Council.
