119-HRES-1194 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bipartisan House resolution designates April 2026 as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” and urges education and enforcement efforts to keep drivers off their phones.

What It Does

This is a simple House resolution (not a law). It recognizes April 2026 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and voices support for federal, state, and local safety campaigns that discourage phone use behind the wheel. It also urges people to take practical steps—like putting phones away and enabling “Do Not Disturb” features—so drivers stay focused on the road.

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Introduced by Rep. Tracey Mann (R‑KS) on April 20, 2026, with a bipartisan group of co‑sponsors, including Reps. Chris Pappas (D‑NH), Kathy Castor (D‑FL), Tom Suozzi (D‑NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R‑PA), and Darin LaHood (R‑IL).
• Their case: Raising awareness can reduce preventable crashes; supporting public education, technology that limits distraction, and visible enforcement can help keep drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists safer.
• Law‑enforcement and transportation agencies typically participate in April campaigns and are highlighted in the resolution’s support language.

Who’s Against It

• No formal opposition is listed at introduction.
• General concerns sometimes raised about similar efforts: awareness months may have limited impact without road‑design and technology changes; high‑visibility enforcement can raise equity and civil‑liberties questions if stops are applied unevenly; and education alone may not curb risky behavior.

What’s Next

Status as of April 21, 2026: H. Res. 1194 was introduced on April 20, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Because it is a simple House resolution, it applies only to the House; if scheduled, it could receive a committee markup or be brought directly to the floor for a vote.