Lobbyists Oppose Anti-Distracted Driving Campaigns

NY Times blogger Matt Richtel writes that "A major electronics industry trade group and a Washington lobbying firm have been pushing separate efforts to reframe the debate over the dangers of distracted driving, in response to moves by state legislators and regulators to restrict motorists’ use of cellphones and other devices."  A document from a Washington lobbying firm, the Seward Square Group, says the distracted driving issue has been “hijacked” by national transportation authorities and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, who has encouraged motorists to pledge to put down their devices, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and calls for the creation of  a powerful industry coalition to counter these campaigns.  Read more. 

Survey: 40% of Drivers Have Been Hit/Almost Hit by Distracted Drivers

According to a June Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company phone survey of 1,004 people, conducted by Harris Interactive, about 4 in 10 drivers have been hit or nearly hit by a driver distracted by their cell phone.  Also, an April Nationwide survey indicated that more than one in four "smart phone" users admitted to using mobile applications while driving.  Read more.