The U.S. Department of Transportation has finalized details on its summit to address issues related to distracted driving, which has been slated for Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1.


The summit will bring together senior transportation officials, elected officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives and academics to discuss ideas about how to combat distracted driving.

"Safety is our number one priority," said Ray LaHood, transportation secretary. "As we become a more mobile and wireless nation, we can't afford to ignore new technology's impact on roadway safety."

Participants will address a range of issues related to reducing accidents through enforcement, public awareness and education. Topics to be covered include the extent and impact of distracted driving, current research, regulations and best practices.

Officials will also discuss distractions posed by current and planned automotive devices, such as navigational systems. The summit's second day will feature a panel of state and local officials to discuss solutions from their perspectives.

"This summit will not only bring leaders in transportation safety together to talk about this issue," said LaHood. "It will also give people from all over the country-and world-the opportunity to be a part of this historic dialogue."

The summit will be available live by webcast, during which members of the public can submit questions online for panel discussions.

More info: www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit