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Ray LaHood announced that he will be stepping down from his post as Secretary of Transportation a few months he ago. The next person of interest to take the post is Anthony Foxx who was nominated by President Obama. President Obama referred to Foxx as "one of the most effective mayors Charlotte [North Carolina] has ever seen." Now, Foxx has been nominated to be the next Secretary of Transportation. Foxx will take over all of LaHood’s previous responsibilities, including LaHood’s newer projects relating to making the road a safer place. LaHood, had previously served in Congress as a Republican, has only heard positive things from the President. LaHood is "a model for the kind of bipartisan approach to governance I think we need so badly in this town," per the President. Although Foxx had been a Democrat he stated the following during the nomination speech: "There is no such thing as a Democratic or Republican road, bridge, port, airfield or rail system." Transportation secretary Ray LaHood, during his time in office has made distracted driving awareness a priority amongst drivers in the nation who operate on its public roads. He aims to reduce the amount of preventable accidents related to drivers who do not pay attention to operating a vehicle. “Distracted driving is a deadly epidemic that has devastating consequences on our nation’s roadways,” LaHood stated. He has even taken on the task to work with the NHTSA to create guidelines that could influence how automakers and cellphone manufactures design their next waves of products. Those guidelines fall in line towards his goal of reducing driver distractibility. “These guidelines recognize that today’s drivers appreciate technology, while providing automakers with a way to balance the innovation consumers want with the safety we all need. Combined with good laws, good enforcement and good education, these guidelines can save lives.” Driver distractibility is a serious issue on the nation’s roads as data from various studies demonstrated. At least 10 percent of all traffic deaths in 2011 were a result of distracted driving. In 2010, 3,092 people died because of distracted driving. Whether the accidents were caused by cell phones, other mobile electronics or infotainment systems has not been determined. Foxx will have to be ready and work hard to fill the shoes of LaHood and create a reputation for himself while representing the American association and protecting the nation’s people. About the Author: Paul E. Lee is a car accident lawyer.
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