WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following is a statement from Pete Lawson, Ford vice president, Government Affairs, supporting distracted driving legislation recently introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of New York:

“Ford endorses Rep. McCarthy's legislation because it represents a practical, commonsense approach to a national problem.

Distracted driving is an important issue, and that's why Ford became the first automaker to support proposed legislation banning hand-held texting while driving in 2009 and why we are proud to support Rep. McCarthy's legislation that will ban using hand-held devices while driving.

Research conducted in labs and on roads shows that activity drawing drivers' eyes away from the road - whether text messaging, manually dialing a cell phone, or reading maps – substantially increases the risk of an accident or near misses.

Ford believes hands-free, voice-activated technology significantly reduces that risk by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”