Statement for Attribution to Vernon F. Betkey Jr., Chairman, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congratulations to the National Safety Council for launching FocusDriven, a new nonprofit organization that will empower distracted driving victims to transform their grief into positive action. The distracted driving issue needs to be addressed on at least three fronts -- education, enforcement and technology. FocusDriven will provide a new means to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and raise awareness of the issue much like MADD has done with drunk driving. It will also be an excellent resource for garnering support for legislation and will help put a face on this complex and difficult highway safety issue.
I also want to acknowledge Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for his
continued vocal leadership on distracted driving. It is unprecedented
for someone in his position to be so visible on a behavioral highway
safety issue. GHSA Members commend his involvement and look forward to
a continued strong state and federal highway safety partnership.
State cell phone and texting laws as well as an overview of the distracted driving issue can be found online at www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)® is a nonprofit
association representing the highway safety offices of states,
territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides
leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve
traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program
management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer
federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway
safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org.
