Texting while driving and otherwise being distracted behind the wheel can result in injury and death. Over the past several months, there have been several reported serious crashes caused by sending text messages while driving. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that in 2008, 5,870 people lost their lives and an estimated 515,000 people were injured in police-reported crashes in which at least one form of driver distraction was reported. Other recent studies have shown that drivers have admitted texting while driving, that younger drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving, and that being distracted for even a few seconds can lead to a crash resulting in injury of death.

To help make consumers - particularly parents - more aware of the dangers of texting and being distracted when driving, the Federal Communications Commission has identified resources from a number of government agencies and private organizations, and has created a new Web site that provides links to more information on the dangers of texting while driving. The site also includes links to sites that encourage parents and kids to talk about the dangers of distracted driving and modifying risky behavior behind the wheel.

For more information visit www.fcc.gov/cgb/driving.html.