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By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

WHEREAS, distracted driving is an epidemic on our roadways, claiming thousands of lives and injuring hundreds of thousands each year in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, informing drivers of the dangers of using a handheld communications device while operating a motor vehicle is essential to reducing distraction-related fatalities and injuries; and,

WHEREAS, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone...;” and,

WHEREAS, the Governors Highway Safety Association says that phone use – particularly calling and texting – while driving is one of the most common driver distractions; and,

WHEREAS, House Joint Resolution No. 727, passed in 2013 by the Virginia General Assembly, designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Virginia; and,

WHEREAS, DRIVE SMART Virginia, a non-profit organization promoting traffic safety in the Commonwealth, created an educational campaign called Buckle Up, Phone Down to remind the public about importance of driving distraction-free; and,

WHEREAS, increased awareness about the dangers of distracted driving may reduce traffic fatalities and injuries in the Commonwealth; and,

WHEREAS, a month dedicated to programs and activities focused on reducing distracted driving will greatly raise awareness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2022 as DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.