Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Distracted Driving

Flawed Handheld Phone Bans Don’t Stop Distracted Driving

By Payton Chung | Apr 2, 2014 | 6 Comments

University of Chicago economist Casey Mulligan, over at the New York Times’ Economix blog, dug up a 2012 study by Cheng Cheng of Texas A&M University that tells the world nothing new about the currently confused state of laws against distracted driving, and in particular bans on handheld phone use. “Perhaps lawmakers overestimated the benefits […]

Be Evil: Driving While Using Google Glass Should Be Legal, Says Google

By Angie Schmitt | Feb 28, 2014 | 38 Comments

Google Glass: Buying one will set you back $1,500. It makes even the most attractive people look ridiculous. It may or may not be the future of mobile technology. A handful of states are trying to get out ahead of any risk this product might present to public safety. Bills bubbling up in eight states would […]

Driving Apps Are Incompatible With Safe Driving

By Angie Schmitt | Jan 28, 2014 | 13 Comments

Transportation apps aimed at drivers are increasingly ubiquitous. There are apps to help people find a parking space, or to allow drivers to report a pile-up on the interstate to other drivers in real time. But as Ryan Holeywell at Governing Magazine recently pointed out, these apps pose a serious danger to the public. We […]

Distracted Driving Is Claiming the Lives of More Pedestrians and Cyclists

By Angie Schmitt | Oct 23, 2013 | 14 Comments

Total traffic deaths have declined nationwide in recent years, but the same has not held true for the most vulnerable people on the streets: cyclists and pedestrians. In 2011, 130 more pedestrians were killed in traffic than the year before, a 3 percent increase, while 54 more people lost their lives while biking, an increase […]

AAA: Hands-Free Devices Don’t Solve Distracted Driving Dangers

By Tanya Snyder | Jun 17, 2013 | 22 Comments

Distracted driving killed 3,331 people on American streets in 2011, yet car manufacturers continue to outdo each other to add more infotainment distractions in their vehicles. These systems are expected to increase five-fold by 2018, according to AAA. Carmakers seek to show their commitment to safety by making their distractions – onboard dinner reservation apps […]

Pretty Please: U.S. DOT Asks Carmakers to Limit Onboard Distractions

By Tanya Snyder | Apr 25, 2013 | 6 Comments

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s signature issue has been distracted driving. He’s spent the last four years amplifying the heartbreaking voices of those who have suffered the consequences of this highly dangerous habit. The stories of the needless loss of so many people, especially children and teens, are tragic. Clearly, it’s time to take decisive action to stop […]

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