A federal agency on Tuesday called for a ban on all cellphone use by drivers — the most far-reaching such recommendation to date — saying its decision was based on a decade of investigations into distraction-related accidents, as well as growing concerns that powerful mobile devices are giving drivers even more reasons to look away from the road.As part of its recommendation, the National Transportation Safety Board is urging states to ban drivers from using hands-free devices, including wireless headsets. No state now outlaws such activity, but the board said that drivers faced serious risks from talking on wireless headsets, just as they do by taking a hand off the wheel to hold a phone to their ear.To read this New York Times report in full, see:
www.nytimes.com/2011/12/14/technology/federal-panel-urges-cellphone-ban-for-drivers.htmlAlso see:Cellphone use while driving can kill, NTSB says, urging full ban
States should implement a full ban on cellphones — even hands-free devices — when driving except in emergency situations, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended on Tuesday. The board said the dangers outweighed any benefits to talking or texting while on the road.”It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving,” NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said. “No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life.”
latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/12/ntsb-recommends-full-ban-on-cellphones-when-driving.htmlCellphone ban while driving? The tragedies behind the issue
Eleven texts in 11 minutes from behind the wheel — then two were dead and 38 injured. A deadly Missouri incident was cited Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board as the panel urged a total ban on cellphone use while driving.Such a ban (exceptions would be made for emergencies) would go far beyond what states now have in place. Currently, no state has a ban on all cellphone use by all drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Assn., although some prohibit cellphone use by certain drivers.
latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/12/total-cellphone-ban-while-driving.htmlNTSB urges nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended Tuesday that all states and the District ban cellphone use behind the wheel, becoming the first federal agency to call for an outright prohibition on telephone conversations while driving.Distracted driving, some of it due to cellphone use, contributed to an estimated 3,092 deaths in highway crashes last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
www.washingtonpost.com/local/commuting/ntsb-urges-nationwide-ban-on-cellphone-use-while-driving/2011/12/13/gIQAbuwHsO_story.html