Recognizing April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" and promoting efforts to help prevent tragic and preventable crashes, deaths, and injuries caused by distracted driving.

Bill Number: H.Res. 1194
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-20: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Last Updated: 2026-04-29T08:07:05Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1194) recognizes April 2026 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and promotes efforts to prevent crashes, deaths, and injuries caused by distracted driving, such as using phones or in-vehicle tech while driving.

Key Provisions

Background facts (preamble "Whereas" clauses):
Distracted driving is a top cause of preventable crashes, killing over 3,000 people and injuring over 300,000 yearly in the U.S.
It has worsened with more mobile devices and in-vehicle tech.
Texting while driving takes eyes off the road for ~5 seconds (like driving a football field's length at 55 mph) and raises crash risk by up to 23 times.
Hands-free tech doesn't fully eliminate mental distraction.
Many states have hands-free or anti-texting laws; federal support includes DOT/NHTSA campaigns like "Put the Phone Away or Pay" and high-visibility enforcement in April.
Resolved actions:

Supports recognizing "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" to raise awareness.
Backs efforts by the Department of Transportation (DOT), state/local governments, and law enforcement to stop distracted driving.
Urges drivers nationwide to avoid distractions by putting phones away, using "Do Not Disturb" features, and focusing on the road.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses congressional support but does not create new laws, mandates, or penalties.

Potential Impacts

Citizens: Increases public awareness of distracted driving risks, encouraging safer habits like phone-free driving; may indirectly reduce crashes via education and enforcement.
Government agencies: Reinforces existing DOT/NHTSA campaigns and state/local enforcement without adding new funding or requirements.
No international relations impact.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists: Primary beneficiaries through safer roads.
Federal agencies: DOT and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
State/local governments and law enforcement: Supported in education and enforcement efforts.
Bipartisan lawmakers: Introduced by a diverse group of representatives.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable effects; resolutions like this are symbolic and do not alter laws or rights.
Political: Demonstrates broad, bipartisan consensus on road safety, potentially boosting national campaigns without controversy. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]

Cosponsors (16)

Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]

Recent Actions

2026-04-20: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2026-04-20: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Recognizing April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" and promoting efforts to help prevent tragic and preventable crashes, deaths, and injuries caused by distracted driving. — issued 2026-04-20 — PDF (3 pages)