Group Pushes For Banning Cell Phones While Driving
COLUMBUS, Ohio—A national group wants to keep you off the phone while you’re driving.
The National Safety Council is pushing for an all-out ban on cell phones behind the wheel, but it may not be as simple as you’d think, NBC 4‘s Marshall McPeek reported.
The fast facts on cell phone user show more than 260 million Americans subscribed to a wireless communications device, and according to an insurance industry study, 73 percent of people talk on the cell phone while driving, with approximately 60 percent using a hands free device.
With more studies showing the dangers of such use, at least one group is calling for a ban.
The National Safety Council said that cell phone use contributes to more than 500,000 crashes every year, 2,600 deaths and more than $43 billion in damages.
In Ohio, the highway patrol said it doesn’t keep statistics on crashes involving cel phones, instead having them listed as driver inattention.
The NSC said drunk driving is dangerous, and it’s outlawed.
They think cell phones should be banned while driving, too.
“When you’re just talking with the cell phone, that person isn’t aware that you may be in high traffic, that it may be raining, snowing, etc.“ said Patricia Glasgow, of NSC.
In 2008, a bill was proposed in the Ohio General Assembly to ban texting while driving. It hasn’t passed, but staffers told NBC 4 that legislators might be willing to consider the ban.
California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington and Washington D.C. already ban drivers from using hand-held phones. Hands-free phone usage is still permitted.
NSC said the seat belt requirement was a battle for years and it could take decades to convince drivers of the need for a cell phone ban.
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Reader Reactions
The statistics are mounting. We are controlling a 3,000 lbs weapon. Fatalities have risen to 43,000 a year with another 3.9M injured. Driving while chatting or texting on the phone is dangerous; plain and simple. It’s a major distraction, which ranks 3rd as the leading cause of accidents, injuries and deaths. At the human level, we have all watched the driver talking while their car is wandering, going faster and then slower. They only one who does not know they are dangerous to others is themselves.
I think CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING should be banned IMMEDIATELY AFTER they ban EATING WHILE DRIVING, as well as SMOKING WHILE DRIVING. Could they also look into banning ENGAGING IN DEEP CONVERSATIONS WITH BACK SEAT PASSENGERS WHILE DRIVING and DISCUSSING THE DRIVER’S HEALTH OR THAT OF ONE OF HIS OR HER LOVED ONES WHILE DRIVING? How many accidents are caused each year by drivers trying to wipe mustard off their shirt that dripped from their cheeseburger? Or spilling their coffee on their lap? Or while looking for matches or a lighter to light their cigarette?...Clearly, I am being facetious. Enough with BIG BROTHER.
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