Officials are hoping to build on the momentum sparked by the first summit last fall, and explore the challenges that lie ahead. That’s according to US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who is once again bringing together leading transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researchers, and victims affected by distraction-related crashes.
LaHood says he wants the best minds to join forces in September to address challenges and identify opportunities for national anti-distracted driving efforts. LaHood says if everyone works together, “We can put an end to the thousands of needless deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving each year.” Experts from around the country will discuss research, technology, policy, public outreach, and best practices in enforcement.
Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2008, nearly 6,000 people died and more than half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. The National Distracted Driving Summit will be held on September 21, 2010, in Washington, DC.