Message From Secretary Foxx

As a father of two, I know how important it is to keep our roads safe. And keeping our roads safe means keeping them free from distracted drivers.

Texting and cell phone use behind the wheel significantly increases a driver's risk of crashing. Even a single, momentary distraction while driving can cause a lifetime of devastating consequences.

Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation has pushed for good laws, tough enforcement, and increased public awareness to help combat the deadly epidemic of distracted driving.

Currently, 45 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers. All but 5 have primary enforcement. Of the 5 states without an all driver texting ban, 3 prohibit text messaging by novice drivers, and 2 restrict school bus drivers from texting.

As we look to the future, DOT will continue to build on the progress achieved by the many anti-distracted-driving advocates across America, including the two million people who have visited this website. And we will continue to be a leader in the fight to end distracted driving. But, we can't do it alone.

We're counting on people around the country - students, parents, educators, employers - to make a pledge to drive distraction-free and encourage others to do the same.

Please use the resources here on Distraction.gov to get the facts on distracted driving and find ways to get involved. By working together, we can help make our roads safer for all Americans.

Anthony Foxx - Secretary of Transportation