Law Enforcement Policy Recommendation to Reduce Distracted Driving

WHEREAS, handheld mobile communications technologies have proliferated in recent years and have become common in society; and WHEREAS, mobile telephones and portable electronic devices require user attention; and WHEREAS, use of such devices while driving is known to be detrimental to safety; and WHEREAS, research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that distracted driving behaviors contributed to more than 5,000 traffic deaths and more than 500,000 injuries in 2008; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers are often required to operate a variety of communications and enforcement equipment in the performance of their official duties, and the use of additional handheld devices may contribute to distracted driving by law enforcement officers on patrol; and WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon law enforcement officers to enhance safety by demonstrating safe driving practices; It is hereby RECOMMENDED by the Highway Safety Committee that all law enforcement agencies adopt policies to prohibit use of handheld communications and portable electronic devices not necessary to the performance of their official duties while a vehicle is in motion.