To establish a program to reduce injuries and deaths caused by cellphone use and texting while driving.
Distracted Driving Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to states that enact laws that prohibit, with certain exceptions, and establish fines for texting and/or handheld cellphone use while driving.
Requires a state that receives a grant to allocate: (1) at least 50% to educate and advertise to the public about the dangers of texting or using a cellphone while driving as well as enforce the distracted driving law; and (2) up to 50% for other traffic safety improvement projects.
Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer a distracted driving national education program with at least two high-visibility education and advertising campaigns.
Requires the Secretary to establish a research program to study distracted driving by passenger and commercial vehicle drivers.
Directs the the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to report to Congress on existing and developing wireless communications technology that may be used to reduce problems associated with distracted driving.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations on the use of electronic or wireless devices, including cell phones and other distracting devices, by operators of commercial motor vehicles and school buses; and (2) prohibit their use in circumstances where it interferes with the driver's safe operation of the vehicles.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 656.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House Energy and Commerce
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
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