WASHINGTON- More than 200 safety leaders will meet to address the dangers of driving distractions at the Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

The summit will feature five expert panel discussions on data, research, technology, policy, and outreach. The event will begin with a context setting panel where participants will examine the scope of the issue and the various distractions that exist, followed by a panel that will review currently available research. Day One wraps up with an examination of distractions caused by technology and efforts made to assess and reduce negative effects caused by current and planned devices. Panelists will also consider technology that can prevent the consequences of driver distraction.

Day Two features a review of legislative and regulatory approaches for dealing with distracted driving; evaluations of the impact of such measures; and enforcement issues.  Members of Congress and their staff will also have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. Day Two concludes with a discussion with teens about their experiences with distracted driving followed by an examination of various public awareness initiatives and research regarding the effectiveness of these efforts.

The complete agenda and additional information about the summit is available at www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_Summit/.

State cell phone and texting laws as well as an overview of the distracted driving issue can be found online at www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.