NWRA Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee Urging Action on Distracted Driving Caused by Mobile Devices
Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) sent a letter to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) urging action to reduce incidents of distracted driving caused by mobile devices. NWRA has sought federal action to regulate mobile devices in order to prevent distracted driving.
“Although our efforts to reduce fatalities, injuries and accidents are making a difference, legislation combating addictive products is what is needed to make a beneficial impact for our workers and America’s drivers,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “Implementing safe driving prevention technology in new cars is the indispensable solution that our industry, many like it and American drivers need to travel roads safely.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law No: 117-58) mandates new passenger vehicles have drunk driving/impaired driving prevention technology. The same should be done for distracted driving prevention technology. Such technology is not theoretical. Apple applied for a patent in 2008 and was granted one in 2014 for technology that limits iPhone usage by the individual in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. In its application, Apple noted the danger these devices present relative to distracted driving. In Apple’s new operating software, iOS 15, the “Driving Focus” mode silences/limits text messages, calls and other notifications when you turn it on. Social media companies must work with phone developers and car manufactures to make such technology the default setting for drivers in new cars.
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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and various other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
Contact
Brandon Wright
National Waste and Recycling Association
bwright@wasterecycling.org
202-364-3706
