WASHINGTON - States are aggressively pursuing solutions to distracted driving, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

GHSA recently released a new report that provides the first comprehensive look at state activities and programs to address the growing problem of distracted driving. The report, "Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs," details a host of approaches states are implementing. Distracted driving solutions by states include stronger laws, increased data collection, new education programs, public/private partnerships, and a growing reliance on new media to spread the message.

State highway safety agencies from every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, and American Samoa participated in the survey.

GHSA's key findings include:

Distracted driving is priority for state highway safety agencies. Twenty-seven states, D.C., and Guam indicated that distracted driving is included in their Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSPs). Plans reflect the statewide highway safety priorities of state safety-related agencies including Departments of Transportation, Departments of Motor Vehicles, as well as highway safety offices and many other state and local agencies.

Improved data collection efforts. In 2003, only 17 states collected information about distraction as a factor in crashes. Today, 43 states and D.C. report they collect this crucial data. Good data is a key component of a strong highway safety program, according to GHSA.

Increased driver education. In 2003, AAA reported that only five states had distinct distracted driving sections in their driver license manuals. Today, 32 states and D.C. have these sections. Additionally, distracted driving is a component of driver education in 18 states and D.C., and it is a question on the driver's license test in 17 states and D.C.

More distracted driving laws. Twenty-eight states, D.C. and Guam now ban text messaging by all drivers. The first state to do this was Washington in 2007, so states have been moving very quickly in this area. Seven states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban hand-held cell phone use behind the wheel for all drivers. School bus drivers are prohibited from talking behind the wheel in 18 states and D.C.

Public/private partnerships increasing. Thirty-five states are working with other state agencies and private employers to address distracted driving. Sixteen states and D.C. have worked with other state agencies or private companies to develop distracted driving policies for their employees.

Greater public awareness. States are emphasizing public education. Thirty-seven states and D.C. have public information/education campaigns to warn about the dangers of driver distraction. Eight states noted they have initiated efforts to provide training or technical assistance to the judiciary on this topic. Fifteen states and D.C. are using social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to promote anti-distracted driving messages.

"As a nation, if we are going to successfully address driver distraction, it must be done comprehensively, through a multifaceted approach including education, laws and enforcement, data collection, and private sector involvement," said GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey, Jr. "Our new report shows states are already going down this road. We know from our experiences with drunk driving and seat belt use that there is no magic bullet, and the same holds true with distracted driving."

GHSA will continue building momentum on distracted driving countermeasures at its 2010 Annual meeting, "Technology and Highway Safety: What's Driving Our Future?" The conference is set for Sept. 26-29 in Kansas City.

Additional information on the GHSA study is available at www.ghsa.org.