President Biden Signs Rep. Krishnamoorthi And Senator Klobuchar's SAFE TO DRIVE Act Into Law As Provisions Of The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act

Statement

Today, President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act which included the provisions of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Senator Amy Klobuchar's anti-distracted driving legislation, the States Afforded Funding Extensions To Oppose Driving Recklessly In Vehicular Engagements (SAFE TO DRIVE) Act. The provisions of the new law will help ensure more states are able to access critical funding to enforce distracted driving laws and educate drivers in order to improve road safety. The SAFE TO DRIVE was cosponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in the Senate and co-led by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Steve Cohen (D-TN) in the House.

"I'm proud that President Biden signed our SAFE TO DRIVE Act into law as part of the bipartisan infrastructure package so that it can immediately help start savings lives," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "The investments that the new infrastructure law makes in our roadways are essential, and our legislation will help to keep American families safe as they use them. We know that these deaths from distracted driving are preventable, so let's prevent them."

"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 become law, we are one step closer to combatting the dangerous practice of distracted driving."

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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