Washington, DC – The following are the statements of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican Leader John L. Mica (R-FL) and Highways and Transit Subcommittee Ranking Member John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) from today’s hearing on distracted driving, which included testimony from U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Mica Statement
“I commend the Secretary for taking positive steps to address the growing problem of distracted driving. He has set an example by taking steps to address this issue with employees in the Executive Branch, and we in Congress will work with him to decrease injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving.
“In general, strong enforcement of laws can be an effective tool in reducing highway accidents. In years past, Florida was experiencing a high number of truck-related highway fatalities. Since increasing funding to strengthen enforcement, we have seen a dramatic decrease in fatal accidents.
“As we look for ways to lower distracted driving accidents, we must find the right balance between using the carrot and the stick, including a robust enforcement effort.”
Duncan Statement
“Distracted driving has been a problem since the automobile was invented. Anything from tending to children, talking to passengers or eating a hamburger can divert a driver’s attention from fully focusing on the task of driving.
“This is not a new problem. In May of 2001, when Mr. Petri was the Chairman of the Subcommittee, I attended a Subcommittee hearing that addressed the same issue. Eight years later, we are still faced with all of the challenges we discussed in 2001 and more.
“With advances in technology, we have witnessed an increase in the number of devices and gadgets that can take our eyes and our minds off the road. Most people agree that drivers should not type email messages on their blackberries or text their friends on their cell phones while they are driving.
“But we must also remember that technological advances have improved safety in some areas. The prevalence of cell phones has reduced emergency response time for accidents, navigational aids can provide advance notice of dangerous road conditions, and voice activated controls can reduce visual distractions.
“There are some areas where the division between right and wrong are clear, but the issue of what constitutes a distraction to a driver certainly has gray areas as well.
“I commend Secretary LaHood for convening a summit on distracted driving and bringing this issue to the forefront of the Administration’s agenda.”
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