FocusDriven - Advocates for Cell-Free Driving Responds to Highway Loss Data Institute and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Research

RIVER FOREST, Ill., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by FocusDriven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving:

"We are surprised that the Highway Loss Data Institute and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety continue to make controversial statements about distracted driving.

"We are not surprised that crashes did not decrease after texting laws were implemented in several states.  Texting is a compelling, maybe addicting activity.  States are working hard to increase enforcement. Without enforcement, education and technology solutions, we will likely not see big changes in crashes.  But we need to start somewhere.  Texting legislation with significant penalties and strong enforcement is a great start. 

"The issue of distracted driving crashes deserves the public discussion and increased visibility it is receiving. We need to continue to explore all possible strategies to reduce these tragedies.

Saying we should not have a new law because we don't know how to enforce it is to wave a white flag of surrender to reckless behavior that we are not willing to wave. Instead, we are hopeful that all who care about saving lives will support law enforcement in their efforts to effectively enforce these laws so that we can truly change the dangerous and reckless behavior that is occurring every day on our streets and roads."

FocusDriven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving (focusdriven.org) is a nonprofit advocacy organization for victims of motor vehicle crashes involving drivers using cell phones. FocusDriven supports victims of cell phone distracted driving and families of victims. Its goal is to increase public awareness on the dangers of cell phone distracted driving by putting a human face on the disastrous impact of the behavior, in order to promote corresponding public policies, programs and personal responsibility.

SOURCE FocusDriven