The National Safety Council has officially backed the Distracted Driving Prevention Act, per a press releaseissued June 8th.

The Distracted Driving Prevention Act allows the Secretary of Transportation to give money to states that have laws that prohibit texting and using handheld cellphones while driving. There are currently 28 states that have adopted such laws. Once promised a federal grant, all other states should be soon to follow.

The act also directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a national distracted driving education program.

This is great news, but we are wondering why the states need all the extra enticement to get these laws passed. The NSC called for a national ban on cell phone use while driving over a year ago. With the current injury rate at over $150,000 per year, what's taking so long?