MENU
SEARCHCalling distracted driving "an epidemic," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood outlines steps to pass more laws, address technology and help stakeholders take action. He also announces $2.4 million in support for enforcement projects in California and Delaware.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last week released a "Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving" that offers a comprehensive strategy to address what he described as the growing and dangerous practice of using handheld cell phones behind the wheel.
The plan outlines concrete steps that stakeholders around the country — from lawmakers and safety organizations to families and younger drivers — can take to reduce the risk posed by distracted driving.
While unveiling the plan, LaHood also announced $2.4 million in federal support for California and Delaware that will expand the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" pilot enforcement campaign to reduce distracted driving.
"Distracted driving is an epidemic," LaHood said. "While we've made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured — and we can put an end to it."
Officials said that the "Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving" recognizes the extent and complexity of the problem. The plan:
• Encourages the remaining 11 states without distracted driving laws to enact and enforce such legislation.
• Challenges the auto industry to adopt new and future guidelines for technology to reduce the potential for distraction on devices built or brought into vehicles.
• Partners with driver education professionals to incorporate new curriculum materials to educate novice drivers of driver distraction and its consequences. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that drivers under age 25 are two to three times more likely than older drivers to send text messages or e-mails while driving.
• Provides all stakeholders with actions they can take that go beyond personal responsibility to helping end distracted driving nationwide.
Coinciding with the release of the "Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving," LaHood announced that California and Delaware have been selected to receive federal support for pilot projects that will test the effect of increased law enforcement and high-profile public education campaigns on distracted driving.
The Department of Transportation is providing the two states with $2.4 million in federal support for the pilot programs. Both are expected to be underway this fall.
Driverless cars may feel the future, but student transportation requires more than navigation. Here’s why it demands human judgment, empathy, and oversight.
Read More →
An 11-year-old in Brooklyn was killed crossing the street. Meanwhile, the school bus driver faces misdemeanor charges after he left the scene.
Read More →
The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.
Read More →
Ongoing driver shortages nationwide are forcing tough transportation decisions. See how districts are using supplemental transportation to maintain coverage for high-needs students.
Read More →
A Rockland County child was struck by their school bus late last week. Here's what we know so far about this and other fatalities and injuries in the area over the years.
Read More →
As Maine becomes one of the first states to require anti-pinch door sensors on new school buses, manufacturers like Mayser offer a look at how the technology works and why it's a critical fail-safe.
Read More →
What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.
Read More →
A recent Verra Mobility survey reports that 82% of parents support safety cameras to penalize stop-arm violators and 70% favor automated enforcement in school zones.
Read More →
$10 million in state grants will fund safety upgrades and new features on school buses serving students across the Buckeye State.
Read More →
After complications in multiple cities when self-driving taxis failed to stop for school buses, the NTSB joins NHTSA in a probe to determine what's behind the tech and related safety concerns.
Read More →
