Today, the DC Highway Safety Office (HSO) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) launched Distracted Driving Awareness Month with national partners as the District released a new technological resource to raise awareness about distracted driving dangers.

“Distracted driving is not only illegal, but it also puts the lives of our community in danger,” said MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith. “That text or email you think your life depends on answering can wait. If you take your eyes off the road, even just for a second, it could cost a life.”

The District is one of two states selected to receive a competitive grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association and General Motors to use innovative practices to curb distractions behind the wheel. Using these funds, the HSO will launch two portable devices that will detect distracted drivers and issue immediate feedback to drivers without capturing any personal information. These devices will be rotated around the city along its High Injury Network and other locations where distracted driving is reported.

The HSO is also working with Impact Teen Drivers, a national youth organization, to engage middle school students in safety education and outreach on distracted driving. In addition, MPD is conducting increased enforcement to catch drivers who make the choice to drive distracted.

“Zero is the only acceptable number – for crashes, for injuries, and for fatalities on our roadways. The efforts of our Highway Safety Office to reduce distracted driving put another tool in our toolbox to empower the traveling public to be safe – every trip, every time,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure Keith Anderson.

April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and highlights NHTSA data showing that 3,522 individuals were killed across the country in 2021 by a distracted driver.

The HSO is part of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure (DMOI). With an aim to achieve Vision Zero, the HSO leads many of the Bowser Administration initiatives to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Through the HSO, the Bowser Administration awards more than $8 million annually to community efforts to educate, empower, and enforce mobility safety throughout the District with a focus on equity and changed behavior.

CONTACT:

Gwen Cofield (DMOI) – (202) 841-0143; [email protected]
Office of Communications (MPD) – (202) 727-4383; [email protected]