Distracted Driving
At the U.S. Department of Transportation, we heard America’s call to end the dangerous practice of distracted driving on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice and we will not rest until we stop it.
We are leading the effort but you are the key to preventing distracted driving. The message is simple – Put it down!
We will work across the spectrum with private and public entities as well as advocacy groups to tackle distracted driving, and, we will lead by example. We have taken first steps — The President’s Executive Order has established a new way to approach driving – by putting your device down and paying attention to the task at hand.
Internally, the department’s agencies are already working together to share knowledge and promote a greater understanding of the issue, and identify additional strategies to end distracted driving. Check back to this site often so you can stay abreast of our progress and to view the latest updates and information.
Impaired Driving
NHTSA works to discourage impaired driving. We use a three-pronged strategy: high-visibility law enforcement with supporting communication campaigns; enhanced prosecution and adjudication; and medical screening and brief intervention for alcohol abuse problems. Special emphasis is placed on reaching high-risk populations; including those under age 21, those ages 21 to 34, repeat offenders, and high-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) offenders.
Youth and Young Adults
- A Social Norms Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving Among 21-34-Year-Olds – Results of a demonstration project to test the efficacy of a high-intensity social norms media intervention to reduce the prevalence of driving after drinking among 21 to 34-year-olds living in western Montana.
- Community How to Guide on Underage Drinking Prevention – Address fundamental components of planning and implementing a comprehensive underage drinking prevention program.
- Speak Out & Make NOYS Project Manual
- Youth Impaired Driving Manual for Sheriffs
- Make Your Parties Rock-Substance Free, Guide to Safe and Sober Event Planning
- An Implementation Guide for Juvenile Holdover Programs
- Strategies for Success: Combatting Juvenile DUI
- Sentencing and Dispositions for Youth DUI and Other Alcohol Offenses
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roadways. What is aggressive driving? Most of us know it when we see it, but NHTSA, after discussions with law enforcement and the judiciary, defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” We provide guides, planners and information to law enforcement professionals and prosecutors to assist in the reduction of aggressive driving.
- Aggressive Driving Enforcement Best Practices
The purpose of this guide is to provide step-by-step assistance to law enforcement personnel to develop an aggressive driving enforcement program. A number of suggestions are provided that will help law enforcement agencies design and implement an effective aggressive driving program. - Stop Aggressive Driving Toolkit
Plan ahead. Allow yourself extra time. What to do when confronted with an aggressive driver.
