War on Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is now such a problem that the Department of Transportation is launching an advertising campaign coupled with law enforcement crackdown to combat the nation wide epidemic.

Radio, TV, and internet ads will run through next week and police across the country will be on the look out for distracted drivers.

The ads will be straightforward, depicting the consequences of driving distracted. The theme is “U drive. U text. U pay”, and internet promoters will be using the hashtag #justdrive. The aim is to get drivers, especially teens, to take a pledge to refrain from texting and driving, as well as give them tools to help raise awareness.

Texting while driving is now illegal in 43 states, and 12 states have banned the use of hand-held cellphones while driving.