WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) announced that provisions based on their legislation to combat distracted driving have passed the Senate as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package. This legislation helps ensure more states are able to access critical funding to enforce distracted driving laws and educate drivers to help keep our roadways safe. This bill is cosponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

“When drivers take their eyes off of the road, they endanger themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This legislation helps ensure states have the resources to create safer roads and ultimately save lives. Now that it has passed the Senate, I look forward to it being signed into law.”

“I’m proud that our SAFE TO DRIVE Act was included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “As we modernize and improve our infrastructure through this package, we need to do so in a sustainable and safe way. Through combatting the dangers of distracted driving, we can keep our roads safer for the American families that rely on these transportation systems.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, eight people die and more than 1,000 are injured every day in crashes involving distracted driving. While distracted driving has always been an issue, cell phones have increased the number of distracted drivers, making this common sense legislation necessary. The States Afforded Funding Extensions to Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE) Act adjusts the requirements to ensure more states are taking steps to curb distracted driving and can qualify to receive grant funds if they implement laws banning all non-navigational mobile device viewing, such as streaming videos or video calls on cell phones, while driving.

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