U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on June 7 released a “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving” that offers a comprehensive strategy to address the growing and dangerous practice of using handheld cell phones behind the wheel.

The plan outlines concrete steps stakeholders around the country – from lawmakers and safety organizations to families and younger drivers – can take to reduce the risk posed by distracted driving.

While unveiling the plan, LaHood also announced $2.4 million in federal support for California and Delaware that will expand the Department’s “Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other” pilot enforcement campaign to reduce distracted driving.

“Distracted driving is an epidemic,” LaHood said in a press release. “While we’ve made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured – and we can put an end to it.

“Personal responsibility for putting down that cell phone is a good first step – but we need everyone to do their part, whether it’s helping pass strong laws, educating our youngest and most vulnerable drivers, or starting their own campaign to end distracted driving,” he added. “The ‘Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving’ outlines a plan that builds on the national momentum that Secretary LaHood and USDOT have spearheaded for the last three years.”

Recognizing the extent and complexity of the problem, the plan:

- Encourages the remaining 11 states without distracted driving laws to enact and enforce this critical legislation.

- Challenges the auto industry to adopt new and future guidelines for technology to reduce the potential for distraction on devices built or brought into vehicles.

- Partners with driver education professionals to incorporate new curriculum materials to educate novice drivers of driver distraction and its consequences.