NSC Calls for Distracted Driving Legislation
The NSC believes a full ban on use of electronic devices while driving is the best way to keep drivers safe. While many states have implemented partial distracted driving laws, data collected by NSC shows that other states are behind in addressing the issue.
Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins Sunday, April 1, and the National Safety Council is urging legislators across the country to observe by enacting comprehensive laws to further prevent distracted driving injuries and deaths.
The NSC believes a full ban on use of electronic devices while driving is the best way to keep drivers safe. While many states have implemented partial distracted driving laws, data collected by NSC shows that other states are behind in addressing the issue.
The NSC State of Safety report grades states on actions and policies they have taken—or inaction—toward reducing risk for their residents. The report evaluated each state and Washington, D.C., on whether they have a texting ban for all drivers and a total cellphone ban for teens and inexperienced drivers.
Four states—Florida, Arizona, Montana, and Missouri—do not have legislation in either area, and 16 states have only addressed one of the two areas. Since the report’s completion last year, New Mexico, Texas, and Iowa have joined 27 other states and D.C. in passing legislation to address both areas.
"The National Safety Council is encouraged to see legislators addressing distracted driving at the state level, but more work needs to be done," said NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman. "No state currently has a law that completely bans all electronic-device use behind the wheel, and the Council believes a full ban – including a ban on hands-free electronic devices – is the most effective way to prevent distracted driving crashes."
NSC observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month every April to remember the thousands of injuries and deaths caused each year by preventable crashes.