U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Safety Council President Janet Froetscher today announced the creation of FocusDriven, a national nonprofit organization designed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

The group will be led by Jennifer Smith, who has been an advocate against distracted driving since her mother was killed by someone talking on a cell phone while driving in 2008.

Focusdriven is a result of a September 2009 national Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, DC. Since the two-day meeting that brought together affected families, law enforcement, researchers and public officials, family members of distracted driving victims have worked to create an advocacy organization with support from the Department of Transportation and the National Safety Council.

FocusDriven’s website has information on distracted driving, help for victims and family members, and ways to get involved.

"I first met several of the founding members of FocusDriven at our Distracted Driving Summit, and I’m deeply impressed by their commitment to turn these tragic events into positive actions that will help save lives," said Secretary LaHood. "Their stories are not just heartbreaking; they’re also a clear and compelling call to action."

FocusDriven is modeled after Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which helped to change society’s attitudes about drinking and driving
 

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