Krishnamoorthi And Klobuchar Provisions To Combat Distracted Driving Pass House In Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act

Statement

Last night, as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the House passed provision to combat distracted driving authored by U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Based on Krishnamoorthi and Klobuchar's States Afforded Funding Extensions To Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE) Act, the provisions will help ensure more states are able to access critical funding to enforce distracted driving laws and educate drivers in order to improve road safety. The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in the Senate and co-led by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Steve Cohen (D-TN) in the House.

"I'm proud that our SAFE TO DRIVE Act was included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that has now passed both chambers which President Biden will soon sign into law," said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. "As we strengthen our infrastructure and transportation systems through this package, we will also need our legislation's provisions to combat the dangers of distracted driving to protect the families who will be using that infrastructure."

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, eight people die and more than 1,000 are injured every day in crashes involving distracted driving. While distracted driving has always been an issue, cell phones have increased the number of distracted drivers, making this common sense legislation necessary. The States Afforded Funding Extensions to Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE) Act adjusts the requirements to ensure more states are taking steps to curb distracted driving and can qualify to receive grant funds if they implement laws banning all non-navigational mobile device viewing, such as streaming videos or video calls on cell phones, while driving.

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