DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 15

RECOGNIZING THE DANGERS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, distracted driving is a major hazard on the road that puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, there were 3,275 people killed and nearly 325,000 injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers nationwide; and

WHEREAS, 8% of fatal crashes in the United States in 2023 involved distracted drivers; and

WHEREAS, according to the most recent annual traffic statistical report from the Delaware Department of Transportation, driver inattention, distraction, or fatigue was a contributing circumstance in 6,564 traffic crashes, including 7 fatal crashes and 1,384 crashes that led to personal injury; and

WHEREAS, distracted driving can take many forms, including adjusting the radio, eating and drinking, applying makeup, and, most significantly, using a cellphone; and

WHEREAS, texting while driving is considered the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distraction; and

WHEREAS, in 49 states and the District of Columbia, texting while driving is illegal; and

WHEREAS, despite these laws, drivers continue to drive distracted, putting themselves and the lives of others at risk.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153 ^rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the Senate affirms the dangers of distracted driving and cell phone use while driving.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate encourages all drivers on Delaware’s roads to abide by state laws related to distracted driving.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Resolution recognizes the dangers of distracted driving and urges all drivers on Delaware’s roads to abide by state laws related to distracted driving.

Author: Senator Hoffner