April 20, 2026
Mr. Mann (for himself, Mr. Pappas, Ms. King-Hinds, Mr. Barrett, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Lawler, Mr. Carey, Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida, Mr. Mullin, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Schmidt, Mr. LaHood, Mr. Moylan, Ms. Titus, Mr. Suozzi, and Mr. Fitzpatrick) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Recognizing April 2026 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month
and promoting efforts to help prevent tragic and preventable crashes, deaths, and injuries caused by distracted driving.
Whereas distracted driving, including visual, manual, and cognitive distraction, remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes on United States roadways;
Whereas, according to national safety data, over 3,000 people are killed each year, and over 300,000 more are injured, in crashes involving distracted drivers;
Whereas distracted driving has increased in recent years due to the growing use of mobile devices and in-vehicle technologies, contributing significantly to roadway fatalities and serious injuries;
Whereas the United States Congress has supported efforts to reduce distracted driving through investments in roadway safety, public education, and technology that helps drivers stay focused and reduce distraction before crashes occur;
Whereas when a person reads a text while driving, their eyes are off the road for an average of 5 seconds, the same distance as traveling the length of an entire football field at 55 miles per hour;
Whereas more work must be done to stop the preventable and tragic consequences of distracted driving to make roads safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all who share the road;
Whereas research shows that texting while driving increases crash risk by up to 23 times and that hands-free technologies do not eliminate cognitive distraction;
Whereas many States have enacted hands-free or antitexting laws, and continued adoption and enforcement of such laws can help reduce distracted driving and save lives;
Whereas the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration work to educate the public each April through the national Put the Phone Away or Pay
and U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
campaigns;
Whereas State and local law enforcement play a vital role in reducing distracted driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities; and
Whereas State and local law enforcement agencies partner with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration each April to conduct high-visibility enforcement and public outreach to combat distracted driving: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
expresses support for the recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month
to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving;
(2)
supports the efforts of the Department of Transportation, State departments of transportation, State and local governments, and State and local law enforcement to prevent and stop distracted driving, thereby saving lives; and
(3)
urges people across the United States to take preventive steps against distracted driving, such as putting phones away while driving, enabling Do Not Disturb
features, and staying focused on the road at all times.