Over the last year, we have put forth several blogs extolling the need for a multi-faced approach to solving the distracted driving problem. 

• In May, we highlighted a video from the National Safety Council which promoted the need for education, legislation and technology.
• In July, the challenges of enforcing legislative and corporate policies was reinforced. 
• Then in September the Berryfocused blog referenced a Liberty Mutual study that showed that parent's were setting a bad example for their teen (even though they knew it was dangerous and illegal) and a Nationwide Insurance study said that "many drivers are either in denial about their DWD habits".
• In October, Dr. Lori Rice, a behavioral psychologist from Virginia Commonwealth University, suggested that we need social and psychological factors to motivate motorist to change their behavior.

Now this month, two more studies have been published to once again supports the need for a technology solution to prevent distracted driving, complementing the education and legislative activities across the country.

• First, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's  Highway Loss Data Institute released a study that finds no reductions in crashes after hand-held phone bans take effect.
• Second, a professor at The California State University at Fresno, released another study that suggests that distracted driving persists even though California has enacted several distracted driving laws.  

These studies put Secretary  LaHood on the defensive. In his recent blog post he said these studies "...irresponsibly suggests that laws banning cell phone use while driving have zero effect on the number of crashes on our nation’s roadways" and sasked folks to look at www.distracted.gov for more information.

Further, Larry Copeland reports in USA Today wrote "The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and auto club AAA said the study's implications were unclear. Both also said the findings should not be interpreted to suggest that banning texting while driving would be ineffective."

Once again, this debate highlights the complex nature of the problem.  I think we can all agree that not a single approach will be the panacea to the distracted driving epidemic.  This is why ZoomSafer is focused on delivering a simple to use solution that helps individuals, families and corporations ensure the safe and legal use of their cell phones while driving.