MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS INCREASINGLY USE electronic devices while driving for activities such as calling or texting from cell phones, watching videos and search on the Internet. Automakers are also integrating electronic devices into standard vehicle designs, including Internet and satellite connections on the dashboard. Because these devices are integrated into daily life, drivers mistakenly believe that they are safe to use while operating a motor vehicle. Despite their differences, each of the devices distracts the driver's attention (some more than others), which poses a risk to road safety. In response, cities, states, and the federal government are adopting “distracted driving” laws and regulations. What evidence exists on the risks posed by distracted drivers and how to avoid them, and what are the respective responsibilities of government, industry and drivers? Risks of Distracted Driving The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 5,870 people died (16% of all deaths) and approximately 515,000 people were injured in police-reported crashes involving distracted driving. driver in 2009.1 The System of General Estimates estimated that 21% of all reported crashes causing injury involved distracted driving. Using naturalistic driving data (with cameras that track driving behavior), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that texting while driving had the highest likelihood ratio of a serious car accident compared to 16 other activities that attract the attention of a highway driver – 23.2 times higher. than drivers who do not text - and when they do text, drivers take their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds out of 6.2 When dialing a cell phone number, drivers of light vehicles ( cars, vans, and pickup trucks) were 2.8 times more likely than non-distracted drivers to have a crash or near crash, and commercial truck drivers were 5.9 times more likely.3 This research confirms previous findings that young drivers who send SMS spend up to 400% more time looking away from the road than drivers who do not send SMS4. have 6 times more risk of collision and, in simulated driving, have impaired lateral and forward control of the vehicle. A meta-analysis of 125 studies confirmed that talking on the phone while driving was associated with reduced reaction time and showed no difference in risk between hands-free and cell phones.6 According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the benefits of banning cell phone use Cell phones are outweighed by the increased use of equally distracting hands-free devices. The institute found no significant reduction in traffic crashes in states that adopted a handheld cell phone ban compared to states that did not.7 Therefore, additional research is needed to determine whether a Reduced cell phone use actually reduces accident rates or distracted driving legislation simply fails to significantly reduce road accidents. reduce driver distraction. Distracted Driving Laws and Regulations Reducing Distracted Drivingdistracted driving requires concerted action at all levels of government. Historically, states and localities have held primary constitutional responsibility for highway safety. Since 2007, 34 states have passed distracted driving legislation, and more states are considering adoption. Many municipalities have also adopted ordinances restricting the use of electronic devices while driving, ranging from small towns (e.g. Walton Hills, Ohio) to large cities (e.g. Chicago, Illinois and the District of Columbia). The federal government plays an important role in road safety as vehicle traffic crosses state lines. For example, Congress conditions highway funding on states agreeing to a drinking age of 21, while NHTSA sets vehicle safety standards. Although Congress has yet to pass distracted driving legislation, it could condition highway funding on states adopting restrictions on distracted driving in bills currently under consideration. force.under study. The U.S. Department of Transportation issued regulatory guidance in January 2010 prohibiting texting by drivers of commercial vehicles.8 President Obama also issued an executive order in 2009 directing federal agencies to prohibit texting by employees. federal officials when driving for official business. Distracted driving laws vary widely. The broadest laws prohibit the use of any hand-held electronic device while driving. Most often, the law only prohibits cell phone use, sending or reading text messages, or sending emails while driving. Other legislation prohibits video images in the driver's field of vision. However, state and local laws are often limited in scope. Many laws allow the use of hands-free devices; others apply only to minor or novice drivers; and some prohibit the use of electronic devices only while driving in school zones. State and local laws generally exempt law enforcement or emergency response personnel and drivers from sending them messages. It is important to note that there are other likely sources of driver distraction, such as eating, drinking, smoking, reading, and grooming, which current law does not directly target. Law enforcement and health information. States with primary seat belt enforcement laws have lower mortality rates than those with secondary enforcement. The distinction is that primary enforcement allows police to issue citations when drivers or passengers fail to use their seat belts, while secondary enforcement means law enforcement officers can only issue a summons if the car is stopped for another reason, such as careless driving. About 65 percent of states that ban cell phone use and 90 percent of states that ban texting while driving allow primary enforcement.10 Research shows that high-profile bans on cell phone use have significantly reduces their use, but many drivers are switching to hands-free devices, which are just as dangerous. Thus, vigorous health education and enforcement campaigns are necessary to support long-term behavior change. This is particularly true for young drivers, who