The District of Columbia Launches Distracted Driving Awareness Program= Could New York Be Next?
As a traffic lawyer in New York State, I'm always interested in initiatives that aim to make our roads safer. The DC Highway Safety Office (HSO) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) kicked off Distracted Driving Awareness Month with the release of a new technological resource to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. (https://dmoi.dc.gov/release/district-unveils-new-tools-combat-distracted-driving)
Distracted driving is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. Chief Pamela A. Smith of the MPD emphasized that taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, can have severe consequences. This month, the HSO and MPD are launching portable devices to detect distracted drivers and provide immediate feedback without capturing any personal information. These devices will be strategically placed around the city to target areas with high rates of distracted driving. For now its an educational program, BUT can technology based enforcement be far behind?
In addition to these efforts, the HSO is partnering with Impact Teen Drivers to educate middle school students about the importance of safe driving practices. The MPD will also be increasing enforcement to catch drivers who choose to drive distracted.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA data from 2021 shows that 3,522 individuals were killed by distracted drivers across the country. Here in the District, the HSO, as part of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure, leads initiatives to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, and fatalities as part of the Vision Zero campaign.
New York is also very proactive in using technology for traffic enforcement. New York has red-light, speeding and school bus cameras, which are presently used for enforcement. Its very conceivable that New York willing the future join DC in this initiative.
As a traffic lawyer, I urge you to take distracted driving seriously. If you have any questions about distracted driving laws in New York or need legal assistance with a traffic violation, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to make our roads safer for everyone.
