Funding For States That Crackdown On Distracted Driving

Drivers, you know the dangers of cellphone use and texting while driving.

The NHTSA is offering $17.5 million to states that enact laws aimed at cutting down distracted driving by 2013.

According to the NHTSA, 3,092 people were killed as a result of distracted driving involving cell phone use and texts in 2010 and another 416,000 were injured.

“Authorized by Congress under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the grant program provides approximately $17.5 million in FY 2013 for states that have enacted and are enforcing anti-distracted driving laws, including anti-texting statutes,” The Trucker reported.

To quality for the funds, states must have primary laws that prohibit distracted driving or texting while driving.

“Whether the issue is distracted driving, drunk driving, seat belt use, or another safety concern, we count on our law enforcement partners in the states to help reduce the tragic toll of traffic deaths and injuries on our roadways,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “These funds will allow us to build on the success we’ve seen in past campaigns that combined tough laws, strong enforcement, and ongoing public awareness efforts.”

To read more about this program, follow this link to The Trucker.